肯定 and 不肯

肯定 (kěn dìng) and 不肯 (bù kěn) are two commonly used phrases in Mandarin Chinese that express positive and negative affirmation, respectively.

肯定 (kěn dìng) is often translated as “certainly”, “definitely”, or “positive”. It is used to express agreement, confirmation, or endorsement of a statement, idea, or proposition. For example:

• 他肯定会来参加我的生日派对。 (Tā kěn dìng huì lái cān jiā wǒ de shēng rì pài duì.) – He will definitely come to my birthday party.
• 这个想法肯定很不错。 (Zhè gè xiǎng fǎ kěn dìng hěn bù cuò.) – This idea is definitely very good.

不肯 (bù kěn) is the negative form of 肯定 and is often translated as “refuse” or “not willing”. It is used to express disagreement, denial, or rejection of a statement, idea, or proposition. For example:

• 他不肯帮我写作业。 (Tā bù kěn bāng wǒ xiě zuò yè.) – He refuses to help me with my homework.
• 她不肯相信他的话。 (Tā bù kěn xiāng xìn tā de huà.) – She doesn’t believe what he says.

Overall, 肯定 and 不肯 are important phrases to know and use in Mandarin Chinese, as they allow you to express agreement or disagreement in a clear and concise manner.