decidir
/deθiˈdiɾ/
The Spanish verb for 'decide' is decidir.
decidir is used to describe the act of deciding on a specific thing, such as an object or an action.
Meaning: give judgement (verb)
Which one should you use?
You should use decidir when you are deciding on an object or an action, like decidir el camino. In contrast, the reflexive form decidirse is used when the focus is on the person making a decision, specifically when someone is making up their mind or struggling to reach a decision, such as no puedo decidirme.
How does it change in a sentence?
The reflexive form decidirse translates to 'to make up one's mind'.
How do you pronounce it?
/deθiˈdiɾ/
Did you know?
- The verb decidir comes from the Latin decidere, which literally means 'to cut off'.
- While decidir is the standard verb, if you are stuck between two choices, you might say you are entre la espada y la pared, meaning 'between the sword and the wall'.
- To say someone is 'decisive' in English, Spanish uses decidido, but to describe a 'decisive' moment in history, they use determinante.
Examples in context
- Es hora de decidir.It's time to decide.This sentence shows how to express that it is time to perform the act of deciding using decidir.Tatoeba #8087550 by Seael, translation #2891645 by CK
- Tom no se puede decidir.Tom can't decide.This sentence demonstrates a situation where someone is unable to decide using decidir.Tatoeba #1386469 by marcelostockle, translation #775402 by drahcir
- Yo voy a decidir qué hacer.I'll decide what to do.This sentence shows how to express a future intention to decide something using decidir.Tatoeba #5046145 by don_ramon, translation #5044168 by nizoverdulo
- El comité debe decidir si aprueba o rechaza la propuesta.The committee must decide whether to approve or reject the proposal.
- Necesitamos tomar una decisión basada en los hechos presentados.We need to make a decision based on the facts presented.
- Los empleados pueden optar por el horario de trabajo flexible.Employees can decide on the flexible work schedule.
- No me decido.I can't make up my mind.
- 69 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are choosing a movie to watch.
- ElenaTú tienes que decidir la película, Daniel.You have to decide on the movie, Daniel.
- DanielNo sé cuál elegir, hay muchas opciones.I don't know which one to choose, there are many options.
- ElenaPor favor, decide ahora mismo.Please, decide right now.
- DanielEstá bien, veamos una de acción.Alright, let's watch an action one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “decide” translations and entries decidir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries decidir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
