Meaning and Usage
"肯定" (こうてい) means "affirmation" or "positive confirmation." It is often used to express agreement or approval of an idea, opinion, or fact. It can be both a noun and a verb (when combined with する).
Common Contexts
You will frequently see "肯定" in conversations or writing when someone agrees with or supports a statement or viewpoint. It is common in formal and semi-formal contexts, such as discussions, evaluations, or interviews.
Collocations and Patterns
- 肯定する: to affirm, to approve
- 肯定的に: positively (adverb form)
- 肯定的な意見: positive opinion
Usage Notes
When using "肯定," the speaker implies a clear and confident agreement. It is stronger than just "agree" and often carries a nuance of validation or endorsement. Be careful not to confuse it with "否定" (ひてい), which means "negation" or "denial."