Discussion of 的确/的確 [dí què] indeed, certainly, surely

Discussion of 的确/的確

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实在 versus 的确:

1. 的确 is only an adverb, while 实在 can be an adverb, adjective or noun.

2. When 的确 and 实在 are both adverbs, 实在 can mean "actually, in fact", and 的确 doesn't have this meaning.
E.g. 她说她明白了，实在并没明白。 [phr] She said she got it, (but) in fact didn't understand (anything).

3. When 的确 and 实在 are both adverbs, 的确 is objective, used to confirm that something is factual; 实在, on the other hand, expresses subjective judgements of a status, and 实在 is more about extent or degree.
E.g. Compare these two sentences
- Whether it rained or not, it's an objective fact: 不过，今天的确下雨了。 [phr] However, it is raining indeed today.
- One's opinion of a film is subjective: 这种电影实在腻味。 [phr] This kind of film is really boring.

In some cases where things can either be subjective or objective, 的确 and 实在 can both be used but with a nuance:
- Describing a fact: 交通阻塞的确是北京的老大难。 [phr] Traffic congestion is indeed a long-standing problem in Beijing.
- Expressing one's opinion: 交通阻塞实在是北京的老大难。 [phr] Traffic congestion is indeed a long-standing problem in Beijing.

lisaC

的确 vs 确实:

1. 确实 can be an adjective (meaning "true, reliable") or an adverb. 的确 can only be an adverb.

1. When they are both adverbs, there are small differences:
1a. 的确 carries a gentle and euphemistic tone. It's a more indirect way of expression; 确实 is more objective, based on facts.
1b. 的确 indicates concession; 确实, on the other hand, indicates reason and evidence. When you use 确实 you usually have reason and evidence to back it up.

lisaC

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