Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Certainly" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "certainly", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
たしかに
たしかに (tashikani)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
かならず
かならず (kanarazu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "certainly" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between たしかに and かならず.
In Japanese, たしかに (たしかに (tashikani)) is typically associated with "certainly, surely, indeed, admittedly" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to express certainty, agreement, or to concede a point. Can be an adverb or an interjection meaning 'that's true' or 'you're right'..
On the other hand, かならず (かならず (kanarazu)) maps to "certainly, without fail, absolutely" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents This adverb emphasizes a strong certainty or necessity. It means something will definitely happen or must be done. It often accompanies verbs expressing obligation or strong intention, and sometimes appears with negative forms to mean "never fail to".. A literal translation of "certainly" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "たしかに"
たしかに、あなたの言う通りだ。
Indeed, you are right.
Bilingual Context for "かならず"
明日はかならず会議に出席してください。
Please make sure to attend the meeting tomorrow.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ 、あなたの言う通りだ。" (Meaning: "Indeed, you are right.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "たしかに" fits here because it means "certainly, surely, indeed, admittedly" in the context of: "Indeed, you are right.". "かならず" represents "certainly, without fail, absolutely".