one thing is certain: ...
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 one thing is certain: ...、at least ... is certain、for sure, ...
This expression singles out one point that the speaker can state with confidence, even when other details remain uncertain.
one thing is certain: ...、at least ... is certain、for sure, ...
It introduces the part of a situation that is certain, often in contrast with information that is still unknown.
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ที่แน่ๆ วันนี้ฉันไปไม่ได้ thîi nɛ̂ɛ nɛ̂ɛ wan níi chǎn pay mây dâay One thing is certain: I can't go today. ที่แน่ๆ วันนี้ฉันไปไม่ได้ details
Learning notes
Explanation
ที่แน่ๆ is used to single out the part of a situation that the speaker considers unquestionably true, especially when other details are unknown or uncertain. It consists of ที่, แน่ (“certain”), and the repetition mark ๆ, which adds emphasis. Common patterns include ที่แน่ๆ + clause and แต่ที่แน่ๆ + clause (“but one thing is certain: ...”).
Usage
It is common in conversation, social media, and informal writing when the speaker acknowledges uncertainty but wants to emphasize a definite fact, conclusion, plan, or necessary action.
Caution
This does not mean “maybe”; it expresses strong confidence and is more definite than อาจจะ (“may/might”) or คงจะ (“probably”). To emphasize an action directly as something that will definitely happen, แน่ๆ without ที่ is usually more natural.
Differences from similar words
1 one thing is certain: ... synonyms
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แน่ๆ directly emphasizes an action or statement as definitely true. ที่แน่ๆ more often introduces the particular point that can be treated as certain.