确实 (quèshí) — indeed; really; truly; genuinely

确实 (quèshí)

确实 is an adverb used to confirm or affirm that something is genuinely true, often in response to a question or doubt. It conveys a sense of "I can confirm this is really the case."

Meanings

1. [adverb] indeed; really; truly; genuinely (used to affirm a fact or admit a truth, often conceding a point)

Usage Note

确实 typically comes before a verb or adjective. It is frequently used to acknowledge something that may be inconvenient or surprising to admit: "You are right, it really is the case." This makes it stronger than 很 (very) and more honest-sounding than 非常.

• 他确实很聪明。 He is indeed very smart.
• 这道题确实很难。 This problem is genuinely difficult.

Example Sentences

这道菜确实很好吃。 Zhè dào cài quèshí hěn hào chī. This dish is indeed delicious.

他说的话确实有道理。 Tā shuō de huà quèshí yǒu dàolǐ. What he said is truly reasonable.

我确实不记得他的名字了。 Wǒ quèshí bù jìde tā de míngzi le. I genuinely cannot remember his name anymore.

这件事确实很复杂，需要仔细考虑。 Zhè jiàn shì quèshí hěn fùzá, xūyào zǐxì kǎolǜ. This matter is indeed very complex and needs careful consideration.

Collocations

Memory Hook

确 means "certain / confirmed" and 实 means "real / solid." Together they form "confirmed-real," so 确实 means "this is genuinely confirmed to be real" — indeed!