Difference between revisions of "Comparing "kending" "queding" and “yiding""

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{{Grammar Box}}  
 
{{Grammar Box}}  
 
 
If you look up 肯定 (kěndìng), 确定 (quèdìng) and 一定 (yīdìng) in the dictionary, they all have similar meanings, like "certain" or "surely." However, using them correctly in a sentence is a bit more complicated.  
 
If you look up 肯定 (kěndìng), 确定 (quèdìng) and 一定 (yīdìng) in the dictionary, they all have similar meanings, like "certain" or "surely." However, using them correctly in a sentence is a bit more complicated.  
  
== Overview 概述 ==
+
== Word Overview ==
  
So how are these three words words different? We can answer this question from two points of view:
+
肯定 can be a verb, an adjective and an adverb. It often has a subjective, affirmative feel to it. It relates to approval and affirmation.
  
1. From a "parts of speech" point of view:
+
确定 can be a verb or an adjective, or, less commonly, an adverb of the form "确定 + 地 + Verb." More objective in tone, it is for deciding firmly and confirming decisions.
  
* 肯定 can be a verb, an adjective and an adverb.
+
一定 can be an adjective or an adverb. It cannot be used as a verb. As an adverb, it is often used in commands, or as an adjective to refer to a "particular" something.
  
* 确定 can be a verb or an adjective.
+
== 肯定 and 确定 as Verbs ==
 
 
* 一定 can be an adjective or an adverb.
 
 
 
2. From a "significance or meaning" point of view:
 
 
 
* 肯定 often has a subjective, energetic feel to it。 It carries meanings like 认可 (approval), 同意 (agreement), and 保证 (guarantee).
 
 
 
* 确定 carries a feeling of objectively describing a situation. It carries the meaning of 决定 (to decide, to resolve).
 
 
 
* 一定 as an adjective has really broad uses, so you need to pay attention to the specific times it's used in. As an adverb, it is often used to give a reinforcing tone.
 
 
 
* 肯定 and 确定 can both be verbs, but their use and meanings are different. 一定 cannot be used as a verb.
 
 
 
== "肯定" and "确定" as a Verb ==
 
  
 
=== Structure with 肯定 ===
 
=== Structure with 肯定 ===
  
肯定 can express that something is satisfactory (对…满意), often used when a superior evaluates subordinates. When used this way, it should be followed directly by a noun or a phrase that is acting as a noun (noun phrase).  
+
肯定 can express that something approval or affirmation, often used when a superior evaluates subordinates. When used this way, it should be followed directly by a noun or a phrase.  
  
 
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<div class="jiegou">
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</div>
 
</div>
  
I can also be used to express "I am sure." When used this way it is usually a clause at the end of a sentence.  
+
肯定 can also be used to express "I am sure." When used this way it is usually a clause at the end of a sentence.  
  
 
<div class="jiegou">
 
<div class="jiegou">
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<div class="liju">
 
<div class="liju">
 
* 老板 <em>肯定</em> 了 我们 团队 的 工作。<span class="pinyin">Lǎobǎn <em>kěndìng</em> le wǒmen tuánduì de gōngzuò.</span><span class="trans">The boss approved our team's work.</span>
 
* 老板 <em>肯定</em> 了 我们 团队 的 工作。<span class="pinyin">Lǎobǎn <em>kěndìng</em> le wǒmen tuánduì de gōngzuò.</span><span class="trans">The boss approved our team's work.</span>
* 如果 想 让 别人 <em>肯定</em> 你,你 就 要 好好 做。<span class="pinyin">Rúguǒ xiǎng ràng biérén <em>kěndìng</em> nǐ, nǐ jiù yào hǎohǎo zuò.</span><span class="trans">If you want to make other people like you, you have to do good work.</span>
+
* 如果 想 让 别人 <em>肯定</em> 你,你 就 要 好好 做。<span class="pinyin">Rúguǒ xiǎng ràng biérén <em>kěndìng</em> nǐ, nǐ jiù yào hǎohāo zuò.</span><span class="trans">If you want others to approve of you, you have to do good work.</span>
* 我 敢 <em>肯定</em> 这 就 是 他 的 声音。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ gǎn <em>kěndìng</em> zhè jiùshì tā de shēngyīn.</span><span class="trans">I'm sure that this is his voice.</span>
+
* 我 敢 <em>肯定</em> 这 就 是 他的 声音。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ gǎn <em>kěndìng</em> zhè jiùshì tā de shēngyīn.</span><span class="trans">I'm quite sure that this is his voice.</span>
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
 
=== Structure with 确定 ===
 
=== Structure with 确定 ===
  
You can also add a verb phrase a preposition phrase after 确定, which makes it mean that that something is already set, often used in describing a progressing condition.  
+
确定 has the meaning of "confirm" or "determine," and you may add a verb phrase after 确定 to indicate that something is already decided. In a question, 确定 can be used to ask if someone is "sure" or "certain."
  
 
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<div class="liju">
 
<div class="liju">
* 我们 还 没有 <em>确定</em> 什么 时候 开始。<span class="pinyin">Wǒmen hái méiyǒu <em>quèdìng</em> shénme shíhòu kāishǐ.</span><span class="trans">We still haven't decided when to start.</span>
+
* 我们 还 没有 <em>确定</em> 什么 时候 开始。<span class="pinyin">Wǒmen hái méiyǒu <em>quèdìng</em> shénme shíhou kāishǐ.</span><span class="trans">We still haven't decided when to start.</span>
* 已经 <em>确定</em>了 三 个 人,还 差 一 个。<span class="pinyin">Yǐjīng <em>quèdìng</em> le sān gèrén, hái chà yīgè.</span><span class="trans">Three people have already been decided, one more is needed.</span>
+
* 已经 <em>确定</em> 了 三 个 人,还 差 一 个。<span class="pinyin">Yǐjīng <em>quèdìng</em> le sān gè rén, hái chà yī gè.</span><span class="trans">Three people have already been confirmed, and one more is needed.</span>
* 你 <em>确定</em> 他 是 我们 要 找 的 人 吗?<span class="pinyin">Nǐ <em>quèdìng</em> tā shì wǒmen yào zhǎo de rén ma?</span><span class="trans">Have you decided if he's the person we'll look for?</span>
+
* 你 <em>确定</em> 他 是 我们 要 找 的 人 吗?<span class="pinyin">Nǐ <em>quèdìng</em> tā shì wǒmen yào zhǎo de rén ma?</span><span class="trans">Are you certain he's the person we should look for?</span>
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
=== Examples of right or wrong sentences===
+
=== Common Mistakes ===
  
 
<div class="liju">
 
<div class="liju">
 
<ul>
 
<ul>
<li class="x">我们 要 先 <em>肯定</em> 一 个 形式 才 能 开始 做。<span class="expl">In this sentence, "肯定" needs to be followed by a noun or a noun phrase.</span> </li>
+
<li class="x">我们 要 先 <em>肯定</em> 一 个 形式 才 能 开始 做。<span class="expl pdf-long-expl">In this sentence, 肯定 needs to be followed by a noun or a noun phrase.</span><span class="pinyin">Wǒmen yào xiān <em>kěndìng</em> yī gè xíngshì cái néng kāishǐ zuò.</span></li>
<li class="o">我们 要 先 <em>确定</em> 一 个 形式 才 能 开始 做。<span class="pinyin">Wǒmen yào xiān <em>quèdìng</em> yīgè xíngshì cáinéng kāishǐ zuò.</span><span class="trans">We'll have to decide on a design before we can start working.</span> </li>
+
<li class="o">我们 要 先 <em>确定</em> 一 个 形式 才 能 开始 做。<span class="pinyin">Wǒmen yào xiān <em>quèdìng</em> yī gè xíngshì cáinéng kāishǐ zuò.</span><span class="trans">We'll have to decide on a design before we can start working.</span></li>
<li class="x">老板 <em>肯定</em> 了 最近 我 工作 很 努力。<span class="expl">In this sentence, "肯定" needs to be followed by a noun or noun phrase.</span> </li>
+
</ul>
<li class="o">老板 <em>肯定</em> 了 最近 努力 工作。<span class="expl">By changing the word order, we get a noun phrase instead of a verb phrase.</span><span class="pinyin">Lǎobǎn <em>kěndìng</em> le zuìjìn de nǔlì gōngzuò.</span><span class="trans">The boss approved my recent hard work.</span> </li>
+
<ul>
 +
<li class="x">老板 <em>肯定</em> 了 最近 我 很 努力。<span class="expl pdf-long-expl">In this sentence, "肯定" needs to be followed by a noun or noun phrase.</span><span class="pinyin">Lǎobǎn <em>kěndìng</em> le zuìjìn wǒ hěn nǔlì.</span></li>
 +
<li class="o">老板 <em>肯定</em> 了 最近 的 努力。<span class="expl pdf-long-expl">By changing the word order, we get a noun phrase instead of a verb phrase.</span><span class="pinyin">Lǎobǎn <em>kěndìng</em> le zuìjìn de nǔlì.</span><span class="trans">The boss approved of my recent hard work.</span></li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
== "肯定" "一定as an Adverb ==
+
== 肯定 and 一定 as Adverbs ==
  
肯定 and 一定 can both be adverbs, and the grammar structure for both are similar. 肯定 emphasized more of a subjective judgment or promise. 一定 sometimes carries an air of forcing something or issuing a command.  
+
肯定 and 一定 can both be adverbs, and the grammar structures for both are similar. 肯定 emphasizes more of a subjective judgment or assurance. 一定 sometimes carries a bossy air, useful when issuing a command.  
  
 
=== Structure with  肯定 ===
 
=== Structure with  肯定 ===
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<div class="liju">
 
<div class="liju">
* 他 <em>肯定</em> 还 没 起床,因为 他 的 手机 现在 还 没 开 机。<span class="pinyin">Tā <em>kěndìng</em> hái méi qǐchuáng, yīnwèi tā de shǒujī xiànzài hái méi kāijī.</span><span class="trans">He definitely hasn't gotten out of bed yet, because his phone is still off.</span>
+
* 他 <em>肯定</em> 还 没 起床,因为 他 的 手机 现在 还 没 开机。<span class="pinyin">Tā <em>kěndìng</em> hái méi qǐchuáng, yīnwèi tā de shǒujī xiànzài hái méi kāijī.</span><span class="trans">He definitely hasn't gotten out of bed yet, because his phone is still off.</span>
* 这 次 我 <em>肯定</em> 不 骗 你,骗 你 是 小 狗,好 吧?<span class="expl">The idiom "骗你是小狗" literally means "To deceive you is to be a small dog." It doesn't have a good English equivalent.</span><span class="pinyin">Zhè cì wǒ <em>kěndìng</em> bù piàn nǐ, piàn nǐ shì xiǎo gǒu, hǎo ba?</span><span class="trans">I'm not lying this time. Cross my heart.</span>
+
* 这 次 我 <em>肯定</em> 不 骗 你,骗 你 是 小 狗,好 吧?<span class="expl pdf-long-expl">The idiom 骗你是小狗 literally means "to deceive you is to be a small dog." It doesn't have a good English equivalent.</span><span class="pinyin">Zhè cì wǒ <em>kěndìng</em> bù piàn nǐ, piàn nǐ shì xiǎogǒu, hǎo ba?</span><span class="trans">I'm not lying this time. Cross my heart.</span>
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
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<div class="liju">
 
<div class="liju">
* 明天 你们 <em>一定</em> 要 来。<span class="pinyin">Míngtiān nǐmen <em>yīdìng</em> yào lái.</span><span class="trans">You guys are definitely going to come tomorrow.</span>
+
* 明天 你们 <em>一定</em> 要 来。<span class="pinyin">Míngtiān nǐmen <em>yīdìng</em> yào lái.</span><span class="trans">You guys definitely have to come tomorrow.</span>
* <em>一定</em> 要 小心。<span class="pinyin"><em>Yīdìng</em> yào xiǎoxīn.</span><span class="trans">You've definitely got to be careful.</span>
+
* <em>一定</em> 要 小心。<span class="pinyin"><em>Yīdìng</em> yào xiǎoxīn.</span><span class="trans">You've absolutely got to be careful.</span>
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
=== Right or Wrong ===
+
=== Common Mistakes ===
  
 
<div class="liju">
 
<div class="liju">
 
<ul>
 
<ul>
<li class="x">你们 <em>肯定</em> 要 去 听 我 的 演唱会。<span class="trans">Since it's a command, "肯定" is not appropriate.</span> </li>
+
<li class="x">你们 <em>肯定</em> 要 去 听 我 的 演唱会。<span class="expl pdf-long-expl">Since it's a command, "肯定" is not appropriate.</span><span class="pinyin">Nǐmen <em>kěndìng</em> yào qù tīng wǒ de yǎnchàng huì.</span></li>
<li class="o">你们 <em>一定</em> 要 去 听 我 的 演唱会。<span class="pinyin">Nǐmen <em>yīdìng</em> yào qù tīng wǒ de yǎnchàng huì.</span><span class="trans">You guys have to go listen to my music recital.</span> </li>
+
<li class="o">你们 <em>一定</em> 要 去 听 我 的 演唱会。<span class="pinyin">Nǐmen <em>yīdìng</em> yào qù tīng wǒ de yǎnchàng huì.</span><span class="trans">You guys totally have to go listen to me in concert.</span> </li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
== "肯定" "确定"  "一定" as as Adjectives ==
+
== 肯定, 确定, and 一定 as Adjectives ==
  
All three of these can be placed before a noun as adjectives. But in this grammar structure, 肯定 and 确定 use their verb meanings, and 一定 as an adjective means "something particular
+
=== Structures ===
  
=== Structures ===
+
All three of these can be placed before a noun as adjectives.
  
 
<div class="jiegou">
 
<div class="jiegou">
肯定 + (的 +) Noun
+
肯定 / 确定 / 一定 + (的 +) Noun
</div>
 
<div class="jiegou">
 
确定 + (的 +) Noun
 
</div>
 
<div class="jiegou">
 
一定 + (的 +) Noun
 
 
</div>
 
</div>
 +
 +
But when used in this grammar structure, you must clearly differentiate the ''meanings'' of the words. 肯定 takes its verb meaning of "affirmative" or "approving," and 确定 takes its verb meaning of "confirmed" or "clearly decided," and 一定 as an adjective means "certain" or "particular."
  
 
=== Examples ===
 
=== Examples ===
  
 
<div class="liju">
 
<div class="liju">
* 如果 你 问 我 是不是 知道 这 件 事情,我 的 回答 是 <em>肯定</em> 的。<span class="pinyin">Rúguǒ nǐ wèn wǒ shì bùshì zhīdào zhè jiàn shìqíng, wǒ de huídá shì <em>kěndìng</em> de.</span><span class="trans">If you ask me if I know about this, my answer will be sure.</span>
+
* 如果 你 问 我 是 不 是 知道 这 件 事情,我 的 回答 是 <em>肯定</em> 的。<span class="pinyin">Rúguǒ nǐ wèn wǒ shì bu shì zhīdào zhè jiàn shìqing, wǒ de huídá shì <em>kěndìng</em> de.</span><span class="trans">If you ask me if I know about this, my answer will be affirmative.</span>
* 请 给 我 一 个 <em>确定</em> 的 回答,不 要 总是 这么 模糊。<span class="pinyin">Qǐng gěi wǒ yīgè <em>quèdìng</em> de huídá, bùyào zǒng shì zhème móhú.</span><span class="trans">Please give me a definite response. Don't always be so vague.</span>
+
* 请 给 我 一 个 <em>确定</em> 的 回答,不 要 总是 这么 模糊。<span class="pinyin">Qǐng gěi wǒ yī gè <em>quèdìng</em> de huídá, bùyào zǒng shì zhème móhu.</span><span class="trans">Please give me a definite response. Don't always be so vague.</span>
 
* 我们 之间 要 保持 <em>一定</em> 距离。<span class="pinyin">Wǒmen zhī jiān yào bǎochí <em>yīdìng</em> jùlí.</span><span class="trans">We need to keep a certain distance between us.</span>
 
* 我们 之间 要 保持 <em>一定</em> 距离。<span class="pinyin">Wǒmen zhī jiān yào bǎochí <em>yīdìng</em> jùlí.</span><span class="trans">We need to keep a certain distance between us.</span>
* 这 件 事 和 他 有 <em>一定</em> 的 关系,不 能 都 怪 你。<span class="pinyin">Zhè jiàn shì hé tā yǒu <em>yīdìng</em> de guānxì, bù néng dōu guài nǐ.</span><span class="trans">He has a certain connection with this, it can't completely surprise you.</span>
+
* 这 件 事 和 他 有 <em>一定</em> 的 关系,不 能 都 怪 你。<span class="pinyin">Zhè jiàn shì hé tā yǒu <em>yīdìng</em> de guānxì, bù néng dōu guài nǐ.</span><span class="trans">He has a certain connection with this matter. We can't completely blame you.</span>
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
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{{Source|现代汉语词典(第5版)|776, 1594, 1136}}
 
{{Source|现代汉语词典(第5版)|776, 1594, 1136}}
 
  
 
[[Category:grammar comparison]]
 
[[Category:grammar comparison]]
 
{{HSK|HSK4}}
 
{{HSK|HSK4}}
{{Basic Grammar|肯定|B2|肯定 vs 确定 vs 一定|老板 <em>肯定</em> 了 我们 团队 的 工作。你 <em>确定</em> 他 是 我们 要 找 的 人?<em>一定</em> 要 小心。|grammar point|ASGDPS0J}}
+
{{Basic Grammar|肯定||肯定 vs 确定 vs 一定|老板 <em>肯定</em> 了 我们 团队 的 工作。你 <em>确定</em> 他 是 我们 要 找 的 人?<em>一定</em> 要 小心。|grammar point|ASGDPS0J}}
 
{{Rel char|确定}}
 
{{Rel char|确定}}
 
{{Rel char|一定}}
 
{{Rel char|一定}}

Latest revision as of 02:48, 18 December 2020

Chinese-grammar-wiki-肯定.jpg

If you look up 肯定 (kěndìng), 确定 (quèdìng) and 一定 (yīdìng) in the dictionary, they all have similar meanings, like "certain" or "surely." However, using them correctly in a sentence is a bit more complicated.

Word Overview

肯定 can be a verb, an adjective and an adverb. It often has a subjective, affirmative feel to it. It relates to approval and affirmation.

确定 can be a verb or an adjective, or, less commonly, an adverb of the form "确定 + 地 + Verb." More objective in tone, it is for deciding firmly and confirming decisions.

一定 can be an adjective or an adverb. It cannot be used as a verb. As an adverb, it is often used in commands, or as an adjective to refer to a "particular" something.

肯定 and 确定 as Verbs

Structure with 肯定

肯定 can express that something approval or affirmation, often used when a superior evaluates subordinates. When used this way, it should be followed directly by a noun or a phrase.

肯定 + Noun / Noun Phrase

肯定 can also be used to express "I am sure." When used this way it is usually a clause at the end of a sentence.

Subj. + (敢)肯定 + Sentences

Examples with 肯定

  • 老板 肯定 了 我们 团队 的 工作。Lǎobǎn kěndìng le wǒmen tuánduì de gōngzuò.The boss approved our team's work.
  • 如果 想 让 别人 肯定 你,你 就 要 好好 做。Rúguǒ xiǎng ràng biérén kěndìng nǐ, nǐ jiù yào hǎohāo zuò.If you want others to approve of you, you have to do good work.
  • 我 敢 肯定 这 就 是 他的 声音。Wǒ gǎn kěndìng zhè jiùshì tā de shēngyīn.I'm quite sure that this is his voice.

Structure with 确定

确定 has the meaning of "confirm" or "determine," and you may add a verb phrase after 确定 to indicate that something is already decided. In a question, 确定 can be used to ask if someone is "sure" or "certain."

确定 + Phrase / Sentence

Examples with 确定

  • 我们 还 没有 确定 什么 时候 开始。Wǒmen hái méiyǒu quèdìng shénme shíhou kāishǐ.We still haven't decided when to start.
  • 已经 确定 了 三 个 人,还 差 一 个。Yǐjīng quèdìng le sān gè rén, hái chà yī gè.Three people have already been confirmed, and one more is needed.
  • 确定 他 是 我们 要 找 的 人 吗?quèdìng tā shì wǒmen yào zhǎo de rén ma?Are you certain he's the person we should look for?

Common Mistakes

  • 我们 要 先 肯定 一 个 形式 才 能 开始 做。In this sentence, 肯定 needs to be followed by a noun or a noun phrase.Wǒmen yào xiān kěndìng yī gè xíngshì cái néng kāishǐ zuò.
  • 我们 要 先 确定 一 个 形式 才 能 开始 做。Wǒmen yào xiān quèdìng yī gè xíngshì cáinéng kāishǐ zuò.We'll have to decide on a design before we can start working.
  • 老板 肯定 了 最近 我 很 努力。In this sentence, "肯定" needs to be followed by a noun or noun phrase.Lǎobǎn kěndìng le zuìjìn wǒ hěn nǔlì.
  • 老板 肯定 了 我 最近 的 努力。By changing the word order, we get a noun phrase instead of a verb phrase.Lǎobǎn kěndìng le wǒ zuìjìn de nǔlì.The boss approved of my recent hard work.

肯定 and 一定 as Adverbs

肯定 and 一定 can both be adverbs, and the grammar structures for both are similar. 肯定 emphasizes more of a subjective judgment or assurance. 一定 sometimes carries a bossy air, useful when issuing a command.

Structure with 肯定

肯定 + Adj. / Verb

Examples with 肯定

  • 肯定 还 没 起床,因为 他 的 手机 现在 还 没 开机。kěndìng hái méi qǐchuáng, yīnwèi tā de shǒujī xiànzài hái méi kāijī.He definitely hasn't gotten out of bed yet, because his phone is still off.
  • 这 次 我 肯定 不 骗 你,骗 你 是 小 狗,好 吧?The idiom 骗你是小狗 literally means "to deceive you is to be a small dog." It doesn't have a good English equivalent.Zhè cì wǒ kěndìng bù piàn nǐ, piàn nǐ shì xiǎogǒu, hǎo ba?I'm not lying this time. Cross my heart.

Structure with 一定

一定 + Adj. / Verb

Examples with 一定

  • 明天 你们 一定 要 来。Míngtiān nǐmen yīdìng yào lái.You guys definitely have to come tomorrow.
  • 一定 要 小心。Yīdìng yào xiǎoxīn.You've absolutely got to be careful.

Common Mistakes

  • 你们 肯定 要 去 听 我 的 演唱会。Since it's a command, "肯定" is not appropriate.Nǐmen kěndìng yào qù tīng wǒ de yǎnchàng huì.
  • 你们 一定 要 去 听 我 的 演唱会。Nǐmen yīdìng yào qù tīng wǒ de yǎnchàng huì.You guys totally have to go listen to me in concert.

肯定, 确定, and 一定 as Adjectives

Structures

All three of these can be placed before a noun as adjectives.

肯定 / 确定 / 一定 + (的 +) Noun

But when used in this grammar structure, you must clearly differentiate the meanings of the words. 肯定 takes its verb meaning of "affirmative" or "approving," and 确定 takes its verb meaning of "confirmed" or "clearly decided," and 一定 as an adjective means "certain" or "particular."

Examples

  • 如果 你 问 我 是 不 是 知道 这 件 事情,我 的 回答 是 肯定 的。Rúguǒ nǐ wèn wǒ shì bu shì zhīdào zhè jiàn shìqing, wǒ de huídá shì kěndìng de.If you ask me if I know about this, my answer will be affirmative.
  • 请 给 我 一 个 确定 的 回答,不 要 总是 这么 模糊。Qǐng gěi wǒ yī gè quèdìng de huídá, bùyào zǒng shì zhème móhu.Please give me a definite response. Don't always be so vague.
  • 我们 之间 要 保持 一定 距离。Wǒmen zhī jiān yào bǎochí yīdìng jùlí.We need to keep a certain distance between us.
  • 这 件 事 和 他 有 一定 的 关系,不 能 都 怪 你。Zhè jiàn shì hé tā yǒu yīdìng de guānxì, bù néng dōu guài nǐ.He has a certain connection with this matter. We can't completely blame you.

See Also

Sources and further reading

Books

Dictionaries