Meaning and Usage
"분명히" is an adverb used to express clarity or certainty about a statement or fact. It often translates to "clearly," "obviously," or "definitely" in English. It emphasizes that something is unmistakable or without doubt.
Common Contexts
You will frequently hear "분명히" in conversations where the speaker wants to stress the truth or certainty of their statement, especially when clarifying misunderstandings or emphasizing promises.
Collocations and Patterns
- 분명히 말하다: to say clearly or explicitly
- 분명히 알다: to know for sure
- 분명히 기억하다: to remember clearly
These collocations highlight the speaker's intention to remove ambiguity.
Register and Politeness
"분명히" is neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is common in spoken and written Korean.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "분명히" with "확실히," which also means "certainly" or "surely." While similar, "분명히" often stresses clarity and obviousness, whereas "확실히" emphasizes certainty or reliability. Choosing between them depends on nuance.