Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 決める | kimeru | [kʲime̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 決する | kessuru | [ke̞sːɨɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 決定する | kettei suru |
The primary way to express giving a judgement or making a choice is through the verb 決める. It is a common and versatile word used in both formal and informal contexts. Other related forms include 決定する (kettei suru) for formal decision-making, 確定する (kakutei suru) to convey a final decision or confirmation and 決意する (ketsui suru) when the decision emphasizes personal determination and resolve.
Which one should you use?
決める is the most common, versatile way to say 'decide' or 'determine' in daily conversation. 決定する is more formal and is often used in business, news or official contexts to describe a formal decision-making process. 決する is a more literary or stiff form often found in written texts or formal speeches rather than spoken conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
kimeru
Did you know?
- The word 決める can be used to describe 'nailing' a look or 'landing' a difficult move in sports or dance, meaning you decided to execute it perfectly.
- When used in the context of a match or game, 決める refers to scoring a goal or a point, essentially 'deciding' the outcome of the play.
- Adding the auxiliary verb 〜ことにする after 決める allows a speaker to express a decision made by their own will, distinguishing it from a decision imposed by others.
Examples in context
- 今日中に決めるべきよ。We should decide today.This sentence is useful for expressing that a decision should be made within the day using 決める.Tatoeba #11029182 by small_snow, translation #3421946 by AlanF_US
- どこで会うかを今決める必要はないよ。We don't have to decide where to meet now.This sentence shows how to use 決める to say there is no need to decide a meeting place immediately.Tatoeba #10341749 by bunbuku, translation #10441347 by CK
- じゃんけんで係を決めることになった。Rock Paper Scissors was used to decide who would be in charge.This sentence uses 決める to describe using a game to decide a role.Tatoeba #11013889 by KK_kaku_, translation #11014537 by CK
- 私は明日の日程を決めました。I have decided on tomorrow's schedule.
- 会議の日程はまもなく決定します。The meeting schedule will be decided soon.
- プロジェクトの予算が確定しました。The project budget has been finalized.
- 私は留学することを決意しました。I have made up my mind to study abroad.
- 今日の予定を決めよう。Let's decide on today's plans.
- この店で食事をすることに決定！We've decided to have our meal at this restaurant!
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is talking about what to eat for dinner.
- 陽葵 Himari今日の夕食、何にするか決める？Kyō no yūshoku, nani ni suru ka kimeru?Are you going to decide what to have for dinner today?
- 大翔 Hirotoうーん、まだ決めていないよ。Ūn, mada kime te inai yo.Hmm, I haven't decided yet.
- 陽葵 Himariじゃあ、私が決めるね。Jā, watashi ga kimeru ne.Then, I'll decide.
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとう、頼むよ。Arigatō, tanomu yo.Thanks, I'm counting on you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “decide” translations and entries 決める, 決する, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
