確かに
Surely, Certainly
Structure
Explanation
確かに is the adverbial form of the な-Adjective 確か, which means 'certain' or 'definite'. It is used very much like 'indeed' or 'it is true that...' in English, when the speaker wants to strongly agree with or acknowledge the truth of a statement.
- 確かにこのラーメンは美味しいですが、少し高いです。This ramen is certainly delicious, but it's a little expensive.
- 確かに私が遅刻したのは事実です。申し訳ありません。It's true that I was late. I sincerely apologize.
Caution
In English, 'certainly' can be used to grant permission. However, 確かに is only used for showing agreement with a fact and sounds unnatural when used to give permission.
- 確かにあの映画は結構長かったね。２時間もあるとは思わなかった。That movie was indeed quite long. I didn't expect it to be over two hours. (Natural Japanese)
- 確かに！この傘、使ってもいいですよ。Certainly! You can use this umbrella. (Unnatural Japanese)
Caution
Without the に particle, 確か is commonly used to express uncertainty or a hazy memory, similar to 'I believe', 'if I recall correctly', or 'I'm pretty sure'.
- 彼女の誕生日は確か来週だったと思います。I believe her birthday was next week.
- このお店、何時に閉まるんだっけ？確か夜８時だったよね？What time does this shop close again? If I'm not mistaken, it was 8 PM, right?
Examples
確かにこのカレーは辛い。
This curry is certainly spicy.
確かにあの人は有名だ。
That person is certainly famous.
彼は疲れたと言っていた。確かに顔色が悪い。
He said he was tired. He certainly does look pale.
プロとして、確かに責任を取る必要がある。
As a professional, you certainly need to take responsibility.
家賃は少し高いが、確かに場所は便利だ。
The rent is a little high, but the location is certainly convenient.
最初は計画に反対だったが、確かにうまくいっているようだ。
I was against the plan at first, but it certainly seems to be going well.
眠いのも分かります。確かに昨日はあまり寝ていませんからね。
I can see why you're sleepy. You certainly didn't get much sleep last night.
彼女は声が綺麗で、確かにみんなに慕われている。
She has a beautiful voice; she is surely admired by everyone.
勝つとは思っていなかったが、確かに嬉しかったです。
I didn't think I would win, but I was certainly happy when I did.
みんながこの小説は面白いと言っていたが、確かにその通りですね。
Everyone was saying this novel is interesting, and it certainly is, isn't it?
詳しくは見えないが、確かにあそこで何かが動いている。
I can't see the details, but something is certainly moving over there.
毎日勉強するのは大変だが、確かに効果的だ。
Studying every day is tough, but it's certainly effective.