HSK 4 一定 vs 可能
definitely vs maybe — certainty spectrum
Comparison / 对比
| 一定 yídìng | 可能 kěnéng | |
|---|---|---|
| Certainty | 100%: 一定会来 | Uncertain: 可能会来 |
| As adj. | 一定的道理 | Not adjective |
| Negative | 不一定 = not necessarily | 不可能 = impossible |
| Tone | Confident/promise | Hedging/cautious |
Examples / 例句
Fill in the Blank / 填空练习
Type the correct word to complete each sentence. Press Enter or click Check.
Quick Quiz / 小测验
Real HSK 4 Test Questions Using 一定 or 可能 / 真题示例
2 actual HSK 4 questions from our mock exams that test the 一定 vs 可能 distinction:
一定 vs 可能 FAQ
Are 一定 and 可能 interchangeable in HSK 4?
No. Although 一定 (yídìng) and 可能 (kěnéng) translate similarly into English, HSK 4 fill-in-the-blank and listening questions test exactly the distinction between them. 一定 = definitely.
How is 一定 vs 可能 tested in HSK 4?
Most often in HSK 4 阅读 (reading) Part 1 选词填空 (Q46-55), where you choose the correct word for a blank in a sentence. Also appears in 听力 (listening) where the speaker uses one but the printed answer paraphrases with the other. Master both 一定 and 可能 collocations to lock in these points.
What's the quickest way to remember 一定 vs 可能?
一定 = definitely. 可能 = maybe. Key: 不一定 ≠ 不可能. 不一定 = not necessarily. 不可能 = impossible. Practice 3-5 fill-in-blank questions in our HSK 4 mock exams to lock the distinction.