Comparison of '千万' (qiānwàn) and '一定' (yīdìng)

Description

Both '千万' (qiānwàn) and '一定' (yīdìng) are adverbs used in Chinese to convey strong emphasis. However, they have different usages and nuances.

千万 (qiānwàn)

'千万' means "by all means" or "be sure to" and is often used to give strong advice or warnings. It emphasizes the necessity or importance of an action.

Examples

• 你千万不要忘记带钥匙。(Nǐ qiānwàn bùyào wàngjì dài yàoshi.) - You must not forget to bring your keys.
• 考试的时候千万别紧张。(Kǎoshì de shíhòu qiānwàn bié jǐnzhāng.) - Don't be nervous during the exam.

一定 (yīdìng)

'一定' means "definitely" or "certainly" and is used to express certainty or strong determination. It indicates that something is bound to happen or that someone is determined to do something.

Examples

• 明天我一定会来。(Míngtiān wǒ yīdìng huì lái.) - I will definitely come tomorrow.
• 你一定能做到。(Nǐ yīdìng néng zuò dào.) - You can definitely do it.

Key Points

• '千万' (qiānwàn) means "by all means" or "be sure to" and is used for strong advice or warnings, emphasizing the necessity of an action.
• '一定' (yīdìng) means "definitely" or "certainly" and is used to express certainty or strong determination.
• Use '千万' when advising or warning someone to ensure they do or do not do something, and '一定' when expressing a strong belief or determination.