Whether you are learning Chinese for personal or professional reasons, expanding your vocabulary is essential. “Decided” is a useful word to know in any language as it allows you to express your intentions clearly. In this guide, we will explore different ways to say “decided” in Chinese, both formally and informally. We will also dive into regional variations, providing tips and examples to help you grasp the nuances of usage.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Decided” in Chinese
When it comes to expressing a formal or official decision in Chinese, you can use the following words or phrases:
- 决定 (jué dìng): This is the most common and neutral term for “decided” in Chinese. It is widely used in both written and spoken language. For example: “我决定去中国旅游” (wǒ jué dìng qù Zhōngguó lǚ yóu) means “I decided to travel to China.”
- 确定 (què dìng): This term emphasizes the notion of certainty in the decision. It signifies that a decision has been firmly made. For instance: “他确定要接受这个工作机会” (tā què dìng yào jiē shòu zhè gè gōng zuò jī huì) translates to “He has decided to accept this job opportunity.”
- 选定 (xuǎn dìng): This term is often used when referring to making a choice or selecting something. It conveys the idea of a decision made after careful consideration. For example: “我们选定了这家餐厅作为晚餐地点” (wǒ men xuǎn dìng le zhè jiā cān tīng zuò wéi wǎn cān dì diǎn) means “We decided on this restaurant as the dinner location.”
Informal Ways to Say “Decided” in Chinese
Informal situations require a slightly different vocabulary. Here are some informal ways to say “decided” in Chinese:
- 想好了 (xiǎng hǎo le): This phrase is commonly used among friends or in casual conversations. It implies that a decision has been made after giving it some thought. For instance: “大家晚上一起吃饭吧，我想好了” (dà jiā wǎn shàng yī qǐ chī fàn ba, wǒ xiǎng hǎo le) means “Let’s have dinner together tonight. I’ve decided.”
- 打定主意 (dǎ dìng zhǔ yi): This phrase is more colloquial and is often used to express a firm decision made after deliberation. For example: “她打定主意不再继续这份工作了” (tā dǎ dìng zhǔ yi bù zài jì xù zhè fèn gōng zuò le) translates to “She has decided not to continue with this job.”
- 下定决心 (xià dìng jué xīn): This phrase emphasizes the resolution and determination behind a decision. It indicates a strong commitment to following through with the chosen course of action. For instance: “我下定决心要学好汉语” (wǒ xià dìng jué xīn yào xué hǎo hàn yǔ) means “I have decided to master Chinese.”
Regional Variations and Tips
Chinese is spoken by a vast population, and different regions may have variations in vocabulary. Here are a few regional variations of “decided”:
Taiwan: In Taiwan, you might commonly hear the phrase “決定 (jué dìng),” just like in standard Mandarin Chinese. It is widely used and understood.
Hong Kong: In Hong Kong, the term “作出決定 (jok cheut kyut ding)” is often used, which has a similar meaning to “decided.”
When using these regional variations, keep in mind that they may be well-understood in the specific regions but could cause confusion in other Chinese-speaking areas or among learners of Mandarin Chinese as a second language. It is generally safer to use the standard Chinese terms described earlier.
Examples in Context
To further illustrate how to use these terms, here are a few examples:
-
Formal example:
李先生决定明天去旅行。
Mr. Li decided to go on a trip tomorrow.
-
Informal example:
我和朋友们打定主意晚上去看电影。
My friends and I have decided to go watch a movie tonight.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now have a solid understanding of how to say “decided” in Chinese. You learned formal and informal ways to express this concept, along with some regional variations that exist. Remember to use the appropriate term based on the level of formality and context. Regular practice and exposure to real-life conversations will help you master these expressions and effectively communicate your decisions in Chinese. 加油！(Jiā yóu!) Good luck!
