Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Sure" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "sure", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
てっきり
てっきり (tekkiri)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
はたして
はたして (hatashite)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "sure" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between てっきり and はたして.
In Japanese, てっきり (てっきり (tekkiri)) is typically associated with "for sure, without doubt, certainly (often followed by a realization that one was mistaken)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Expresses a strong conviction or assumption about something that turned out to be wrong. It's often followed by '〜と思っていた.
On the other hand, はたして (はたして (hatashite)) maps to "sure enough; as expected; really; truly (often used with a sense of doubt or question, 'I wonder if...')" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used to express a sense of wonder, doubt, or anticipation about whether something will actually happen or be true. Can also be used to confirm that something indeed happened as expected. Often followed by か, だろうか, or ではないか.. A literal translation of "sure" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "てっきり"
てっきり彼は来ないと思っていたら、急に現れた。
I was sure he wasn't coming, but then he suddenly showed up.
Bilingual Context for "はたして"
彼が約束通り来るだろうか。はたして来るのかどうか、心配だ。
Will he come as promised? I wonder if he will really come.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ 彼は来ないと思っていたら、急に現れた。" (Meaning: "I was sure he wasn't coming, but then he suddenly showed up.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "てっきり" fits here because it means "for sure, without doubt, certainly (often followed by a realization that one was mistaken)" in the context of: "I was sure he wasn't coming, but then he suddenly showed up.". "はたして" represents "sure enough; as expected; really; truly (often used with a sense of doubt or question, 'I wonder if...')".