确

確

què

石 + 角

Definitions

què (adjective) real; true; certain; sure

què (verb) to confirm; to verify

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 石 represents the meaning and 角 represents the sound.

Semantic: 石 Phonetic: 角

About

确 is the simplified form of 確, a phono-semantic compound expressing the ideas of firmness, certainty, and solidity. The semantic component 石 (shí, stone) contributes the qualities of hardness and immovability, which are the basis for meanings like "firm", "true", and "certain". In the traditional character, the phonetic element is 隺 (hè, a bird flying high), while the simplified version replaces it with the simpler 角 (jiǎo, horn) to make writing easier. Despite this change, the stone radical is unchanged, so the character remains linked to rock-like solidity. As a result, the modern 确 is a phono-semantic compound where 石 provides the meaning and 角 suggests the sound.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这确实很好。

Zhè quèshí hěn hǎo.

This is indeed very good.

我确定他的能力。

Wǒ quèdìng tā de nénglì.

I confirm his ability.

请提供确切时间。

Qǐng tígōng quèqiè shíjiān.

Please provide the exact time.

证据确凿，无法反驳。

Zhèngjù quèzáo, wúfǎ fǎnbó.

The evidence is conclusive and cannot be refuted.

我们必须确保安全。

Wǒmen bìxū quèbǎo ānquán.

We must ensure safety.

他的说法得到确认。

Tā de shuōfǎ dédào quèrèn.

His statement has been confirmed.

准确的数据是成功的关键。

Zhǔnquè de shùjù shì chénggōng de guānjiàn.

Accurate data is the key to success.

尽管有困难，但确有必要继续前进。

Jǐnguǎn yǒu kùnnán, dàn què yǒu bìyào jìxù qiánjìn.

Although there are difficulties, it is indeed necessary to continue forward.

Related Characters

Component: 石

Component: 角

确