bùquèdìng: 不确定 - Uncertain, Not Sure, Indefinite

• Keywords: bu que ding, 不确定 meaning, how to say not sure in Chinese, uncertain in Chinese, indefinite, doubt in Chinese, Chinese for uncertainty, HSK3 vocabulary
• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese term 不确定 (bù què dìng), which means “uncertain,” “not sure,” or “indefinite.” This page provides a deep dive into its meaning, character breakdown, cultural context, and practical usage. With over 10 example sentences and analysis, you'll master how to express uncertainty in everyday conversation, business, and social situations, and understand the crucial difference between “不确定” and “不知道 (bù zhīdào)”.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): bù què dìng
• Part of Speech: Adjective / Verb Phrase
• HSK Level: HSK 3
• Concise Definition: To be uncertain, unsure, or not definite.
• In a Nutshell: 不确定 (bù què dìng) is the most direct and common way to express a state of uncertainty in Mandarin Chinese. It's formed by adding the negative particle 不 (bù), meaning “not,” to the word 确定 (quèdìng), meaning “certain” or “definite.” You can use it to describe your own feelings of doubt (“I'm not sure”) or to describe a situation that is still up in the air (“The plan is uncertain”).

• 不 (bù): The fundamental character for negation, meaning “not” or “no.” It's one of the first characters any learner will encounter.
• 确 (què): This character means “certain,” “sure,” or “true.” It's made up of the stone radical (石) on the left and a phonetic component on the right. Think of something being “solid as a rock” to remember its meaning of certainty.
• 定 (dìng): This character means “to decide,” “to fix,” or “stable.” The pictograph originally depicted a house (宀) and a foot (正), suggesting settling down or fixing something in its proper place.

When combined, 不 (not) + 确定 (certain/definite) logically and transparently creates the meaning “not certain” or “uncertain.”

While 不确定 (bù què dìng) is a straightforward functional term, its usage can reflect subtle cultural values. In many Western cultures, especially in business, expressing confidence and decisiveness is often highly valued. A direct “I'm not sure” might sometimes be perceived as a lack of knowledge or competence. In Chinese culture, however, expressing uncertainty can be a strategic and polite communication tool. Saying “不确定” can be a way to:

• Show Humility: It avoids appearing arrogant or overly assertive, which is important for maintaining group harmony (和谐, héxié).
• Maintain Flexibility: In negotiations or planning, stating that something is “不确定” keeps options open. It avoids committing too early and allows for changes as the situation develops, a highly practical approach.
• Politely Decline: Instead of a blunt “no” (不), saying “我不确定我有没有时间” (“I'm not sure if I have time”) is a softer, less confrontational way to refuse a request. It helps the other person save face (面子, miànzi).

So, while an American might say “I'm not sure, let me get back to you” to mean they need more information, a Chinese speaker might use “不确定” with the same words but with an added layer of strategic politeness or a desire to avoid direct refusal.

不确定 (bù què dìng) is an extremely common term used across all levels of formality.

• Expressing Personal Feelings: This is the most common usage, equivalent to “I'm not sure” or “I'm uncertain.” It's used when you are speculating, guessing, or simply don't have a final decision.
• Describing an Unsettled Situation: It can be used as an adjective to describe plans, dates, outcomes, or any information that is not yet finalized. For example, “an uncertain future” (一个不确定的未来).
• In Questions: You can use it to ask about someone else's level of certainty. For example, “你确定不确定？” (Are you sure or not?).
• As a Polite Hedge: As mentioned in the cultural context, it's a fantastic tool for hedging your statements or softening a potential rejection.

• Example 1:
  • 我不确定明天会不会下雨。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ bù quèdìng míngtiān huì bù huì xià yǔ.
  • English: I'm not sure if it will rain tomorrow.
  • Analysis: A classic example of expressing personal uncertainty about a future event.
• Example 2:
  • 会议的最终日期还不确定。
  • Pinyin: Huìyì de zuìzhōng rìqī hái bù quèdìng.
  • English: The final date for the meeting is still uncertain.
  • Analysis: Here, 不确定 is used to describe the state of the “date” (日期), showing that it has not been finalized.
• Example 3:
  • 他不确定应该选择哪个专业。
  • Pinyin: Tā bù quèdìng yīnggāi xuǎnzé nǎge zhuānyè.
  • English: He is unsure which major he should choose.
  • Analysis: This sentence highlights uncertainty in the context of making a decision.
• Example 4:
  • “你确定他会来吗？” “嗯，我有点不确定。”
  • Pinyin: “Nǐ quèdìng tā huì lái ma?” “Ń, wǒ yǒudiǎn bù quèdìng.”
  • English: “Are you sure he will come?” “Hmm, I'm a little unsure.”
  • Analysis: Shows how 不确定 can be modified with adverbs like “有点” (yǒudiǎn), meaning “a little bit.”
• Example 5:
  • 这个项目的未来充满了不确定性。
  • Pinyin: Zhège xiàngmù de wèilái chōngmǎnle bù quèdìng xìng.
  • English: The future of this project is full of uncertainty.
  • Analysis: The suffix 性 (-xìng) is added to turn the adjective/verb phrase into a noun: “uncertainty.” This is a more formal usage.
• Example 6:
  • 我不确定我的答案是不是对的。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ bù quèdìng wǒ de dá'àn shì bùshì duì de.
  • English: I'm not sure if my answer is correct.
  • Analysis: A very common phrase for students. It expresses doubt about one's own knowledge or work.
• Example 7:
  • 由于天气原因，航班时间不确定。
  • Pinyin: Yóuyú tiānqì yuányīn, hángbān shíjiān bù quèdìng.
  • English: Due to weather, the flight time is uncertain.
  • Analysis: A practical example you might hear at an airport. 不确定 describes the status of the “flight time” (航班时间).
• Example 8:
  • 我不确定这个计划是否可行。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ bù quèdìng zhège jìhuà shìfǒu kěxíng.
  • English: I'm not sure if this plan is feasible.
  • Analysis: A common phrase in a business or work setting. 是否 (shìfǒu) is a formal way to say “if” or “whether.”
• Example 9:
  • 他说他能帮忙，但是语气听起来很不确定。
  • Pinyin: Tā shuō tā néng bāngmáng, dànshì yǔqì tīng qǐlái hěn bù quèdìng.
  • English: He said he could help, but his tone of voice sounded very uncertain.
  • Analysis: This shows 不确定 describing a quality, in this case, the “tone of voice” (语气).
• Example 10:
  • 我们能不能去看电影还不确定，要看我几点下班。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen néng bùnéng qù kàn diànyǐng hái bù quèdìng, yào kàn wǒ jǐ diǎn xiàbān.
  • English: Whether or not we can go see a movie is still uncertain; it depends on what time I get off work.
  • Analysis: This example shows how 不确定 can refer to a whole situation, which is then explained by a condition.

The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 不确定 (bù què dìng) and 不知道 (bù zhīdào).

• 不知道 (bù zhīdào): “I don't know.” This implies a complete lack of information. There is a factual answer, but you do not possess it.
• 不确定 (bù què dìng): “I'm not sure.” This implies you may have some information, but you cannot confirm it, or you are undecided. It relates to certainty, speculation, and decision-making.

Mistake Example: Someone asks you: “美国的首都是哪里？” (Měiguó de shǒudū shì nǎlǐ? - Where is the capital of the USA?)

• Correct: 我知道，是华盛顿特区。(Wǒ zhīdào, shì Huáshèngdùn Tèqū. - I know, it's Washington D.C.)
• Correct (if you forgot): 我不知道。(Wǒ bù zhīdào. - I don't know.)
• Incorrect: 我不确定。(Wǒ bù quèdìng. - I'm not sure.)
  • Why it's wrong: The capital of the USA is a fixed fact. You either know it or you don't. Using “不确定” here sounds strange, as if you're guessing between Washington and New York.

Good Usage Example: Someone asks you: “他明天会来参加派对吗？” (Tā míngtiān huì lái cānjiā pàiduì ma? - Will he come to the party tomorrow?)

• Correct: 我不确定。(Wǒ bù quèdìng. - I'm not sure.) This is perfect because the event is in the future and not 100% certain.
• Also Correct: 我不知道。(Wǒ bù zhīdào. - I don't know.) This is also fine, but implies you have zero information on the matter. 不确定 is often more precise, suggesting you've considered it but can't confirm.

• 确定 (quèdìng) - The direct antonym: “certain,” “definite,” “to confirm.”
• 不知道 (bù zhīdào) - A related concept meaning “to not know,” used for a lack of factual information.
• 可能 (kěnéng) - “Possible,” “maybe.” Often used when you are feeling 不确定. “他可能会来” (He might come).
• 也许 (yěxǔ) - “Perhaps,” “maybe.” A common adverb to express what you think might happen when you are 不确定.
• 怀疑 (huáiyí) - “To doubt,” “to suspect.” This is a stronger feeling than 不确定 and often carries a negative connotation of suspicion.
• 犹豫 (yóuyù) - “To hesitate.” This is the action or state of being that results from feeling 不确定 about a decision.
• 拿不准 (ná bù zhǔn) - A colloquial and vivid way to say “not sure.” Literally “can't grasp it firmly.”
• 说不定 (shuōbudìng) - “Can't say for sure,” “perhaps.” A very common colloquialism expressing uncertainty about a future outcome.