Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Solid, firm: Describes an object's physical property of being dense, hard, or resistant to pressure, not easily broken or moved.
   • Secure, steady: Describes something that is fixed firmly in place or a process that is stable and reliable.
   • Certain, sure: Expresses a high degree of confidence or conviction about a fact, outcome, or belief.

2. Adverb:

   • Surely, probably: Used to indicate a strong likelihood or probability about an action or event.

3. Verb (colloquial):

   • To be sure, to believe firmly: To think or be convinced that something is true or will happen.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Solid/Firm):
  • Căn nhà này xây rất chắc. (This house is built very solidly.)
  • Bắp thịt anh ấy rất chắc. (His muscles are very firm.)
• Adjective (Certain):
  • Tôi chắc chắn về điều đó. (I am certain about that.)
  • Lời hứa chắc như đinh đóng cột. (The promise is as sure as a nailed-down nail.)
• Adverb (Surely):
  • Anh ấy chắc sẽ đến. (He will surely come.)
• Verb:
  • Tôi chắc là mình đã khóa cửa. (I am sure I locked the door.)

Advanced Usage

• "chắc chắn": This is the most common intensified form, meaning "definitely," "certainly," or "securely."

  • Hãy buộc nó cho chắc chắn. (Tie it securely.)
  • Ngày mai tôi sẽ chắc chắn có mặt. (I will definitely be there tomorrow.)

• "chắc là" / "chắc hẳn": Phrases used to express a strong assumption, meaning "must be," "probably," or "I suppose."

  • Chắc là* trời sắp mưa.* (It must be about to rain.)
  • Chắc hẳn* cô ấy rất bận.* (She must be very busy.)

Variants and Related Words

• Chắc nịch (adj): Very firm, solid, and compact (often for objects or body build).
• Vững chắc (adj): Stable, firm, and enduring (often for structures, foundations, or positions).
• Kiên chắc (adj): Firm and steadfast (often for will, determination).

Synonyms

• Firm / Solid: cứng cáp, rắn chắc (for physical objects).
• Certain / Sure: tin chắc, xác tín.
• Secure: an toàn, vững vàng.

Related Idioms and Expressions

• Chắc như đinh đóng cột: As sure as a nailed nail; meaning absolutely certain, beyond any doubt.

  • Thông tin này chắc như đinh đóng cột. (This information is rock-solid.)

• Ăn chắc mặc bền: (Literally: Eat securely, wear durably). An idiom advocating for a safe, cautious, and sustainable approach to life, prioritizing security and longevity over risk and flashiness.

adj

1. Solid, firm; secure, steady
   • nhà xây rất chắc, bão to không hề gì
     the house is very solidly built and will weather big storms
   • lúa chắc hạt
     the rice grain is very firm
   • bắp thịt chắc
     a firm muscle
   • đinh đóng chắc
     the nail is firmly driven in
   • thang dựa chắc vào tường
     the ladder is propped securely against the wall
   • những bước tiến nhanh và chắc
     rapid and steady advances
   • một tác phẩm viết chắc tay
     a work written with a steady hand
2. Sure, surely