1.
surely, certainly, definitely
Expresses strong confidence that something will happen or is true. Used when the speaker feels certain about a prediction or expectation.
きっと expresses the speaker's strong confidence that something will happen or is true.
Similar words
- きっと: surely; the speaker is personally convinced
- たぶん: probably; likely but not certain
- もしかしたら: perhaps, maybe; a real possibility only
Common patterns
- きっと〜だろう: surely ~ (with conjecture)
- きっと〜と思う: I'm sure that ~
- きっと〜はず: surely must be ~
- きっと大丈夫: I'm sure it'll be fine
Usage
Often used to encourage or reassure others. Works with both positive and negative predictions. Usually written in hiragana.
きっと expresses the speaker's subjective confidence. For objective certainty, use 必ず (without fail) or 確かに (certainly).
Related Words
Compare:
たぶん (probably (~60-70%))
Compare:
てっきり (certainly (often mistaken))
Compare:
ぜひ (by all means, definitely)
Compare:
おそらく (probably, perhaps)
Compare:
間違いない (certain)
Compare:
もしかしたら (perhaps, maybe)