분명 (bun-myeong, bunmyeong) · 확실히 (hwak-sil-hi, hwaksilhi) · 틀림없이 (teul-rim-eop-i, teulrimeopi)
분명, 확실히, and 틀림없이 all express certainty but differ in intensity and usage contexts.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Indicates that a fact or situation is clear and leaves no room for doubt
When to use
Emphasizing objective facts, Presenting clear evidence, Confidence based on grounds or inference
The nuance
Used when there is objective evidence or clear proof; can appear at the beginning or middle of a sentence
Used to express strong confidence that something is definitely true or will happen
When to use
Expressing strong confidence, Confirming outcomes or facts, Emphasizing commands or advice
The nuance
Used adverbially before verbs or adjectives, conveying a high degree of certainty and definiteness
Indicates absolute certainty that there is no doubt whatsoever
When to use
Absolute certainty, Strong assertion, Definite prediction
The nuance
Usually placed at the beginning or middle of a sentence, used for strong assertions or predictions
분명 그는 어제 여기 있었어요.
bun-myeong geu-neun eo-je yeo-gi iss-eoss-eo-yo., bun myeong geu neun eo je yeo gi iss eoss eo yo.
Appropriate use of '분명' when there is clear evidence or a definite situation.
확실히 그는 어제 여기 있었어요.
hwak-sil-hi geu-neun eo-je yeo-gi iss-eoss-eo-yo., hwak sil hi geu neun eo je yeo gi iss eoss eo yo.
'확실히' can be used to express strong confidence.
틀림없이 그는 어제 여기 있었어요.
teul-rim-eop-i geu-neun eo-je yeo-gi iss-eoss-eo-yo., teul rim eop i geu neun eo je yeo gi iss eoss eo yo.
Suitable for sentences expressing absolute certainty.
분명히 너는 내 말을 듣지 않을 거야.
bun-myeong-hi neo-neun nae mal-eul deut-ji an-eul geo-ya., bun myeong hi neo neun nae mal eul deut ji an eul geo ya.
'분명히' is better for emphasizing objective facts; '틀림없이' is more natural for predictions or assumptions.
확실히 내일 비가 올 거야.
hwak-sil-hi nae-il bi-ga ol geo-ya., hwak sil hi nae il bi ga ol geo ya.
'확실히' is used more for confirmed facts; '틀림없이' is more appropriate for future predictions.
틀림없이 그는 우리를 도울 것이다.
teul-rim-eop-i geu-neun u-ri-reul do-ul geos-i-da., teul rim eop i geu neun u ri reul do ul geos i da.
Appropriate for expressing strong predictions about the future.
확실히 그는 우리를 도울 것이다.
hwak-sil-hi geu-neun u-ri-reul do-ul geos-i-da., hwak sil hi geu neun u ri reul do ul geos i da.
'확실히' fits confirmed facts better; '틀림없이' is more natural for future predictions.
분명히 그가 틀렸어요.
bun-myeong-hi geu-ga teul-ryeoss-eo-yo., bun myeong hi geu ga teul ryeoss eo yo.
'분명히' can be used when there is clear evidence.
Which word is most suitable for absolute certainty and prediction?
Which word is mainly used to express strong confidence?
Which word is most natural when there is objective evidence?
