Definition

Adjective/Adverbial phrase: - Being certain, being sure: A state of firmly believing that something will happen or is true, often based on one's own assessment or prediction. It conveys a sense of absolute confidence in an expected outcome.

Usage Examples

• As an adjectival/adverbial phrase:
  • Anh ấy chắc mẩm sẽ được thăng chức. (He was certain he would get the promotion.)
  • Tôi chắc mẩm là cô ấy sẽ đồng ý. (I was sure that she would agree.)
  • Họ chắc mẩm phần thắng đã thuộc về mình. (They were confident that victory was already theirs.)

Advanced Usage

• "chắc mẩm là...": The most common structure, meaning "to be sure that...". It introduces the clause containing the believed fact or outcome.
  • Nó chắc mẩm là sẽ đỗ. (He was sure that he would pass.)
• Used to describe a mindset of overconfidence that sometimes leads to surprise or failure when the expected result does not occur.
  • Chủ quan, chắc mẩm thắng nên đã thua. (Being subjective and overly confident of winning, he ended up losing.)

Variants and Related Words

• Chắc chắn (adj/adverb): Sure, certain, definite. This is a more standard and neutral term for certainty.
  • Tôi chắc chắn về điều đó. (I am certain about that.)
• Tin chắc (verb phrase): To firmly believe.
  • Tôi tin chắc anh ấy sẽ đến. (I firmly believe he will come.)

Synonyms

• Tưởng chừng: To think/assume (often mistakenly).
• Yên trí: To be at ease in one's mind, to rest assured (often based on a guarantee).

Notes on Meaning

• "Chắc mẩm" implies a strong, internal conviction, often without seeking external verification. It can sometimes carry a slight nuance of presumption or being too sure of oneself.
• It is more colloquial than the formal "chắc chắn".

1. xem mẩm