決定
kettei[ke̞t̚te̞ː]
The English word 'decision' can be translated into Japanese as 決定 (kettei) or 決断.
Meaning: choice or judgement (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 決定 | kettei | [ke̞t̚te̞ː] (narrow) |
| 決断 | ketsudan | [ke̞t͡sɨdã̠ɴ] (narrow) |
The word refers to a choice or judgement. When you want to express the act of making or handing down a decision, you can use the phrase 決定を下す. To describe someone making a firm, decisive choice after deliberation, the verb form 決断する is used.
Which one should you use?
決定 refers to a decision that has been finalized or is a settled outcome, such as a rule or a scheduled event. In contrast, 決断 refers to a decision that requires strong willpower, courage or a significant turning point in one's life or career.
How do you pronounce it?
kettei
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use 判定 if you mean a general decision. 判定 refers specifically to a verdict or judgment made by someone in authority.
Did you know?
- In Japanese, one might say a decision was 'tough' by using the word 苦渋の決断 (kujū no ketsudan), which literally translates to a 'decision made with bitterness'.
- In Japanese business culture, the process of reaching a 決定 often involves ringi, a system where a proposal is circulated and approved by multiple levels of management before the final decision is made.
- The word 決断 (ketsudan) uses the character 断, which can also mean 'to sever' or 'to cut off', implying that making a decisive choice involves cutting away other possibilities.
Examples in context
- 彼は決断力がない。He can't make a decision.This sentence uses 決断 to describe a person's ability to make a decision.Tatoeba #107819 by bunbuku, translation #295866 by CK
- 決定は延期された。The decision was put off.This sentence uses 決定 to show that a decision was delayed.Tatoeba #175897 by bunbuku, translation #238568 by CK
- それはいい決断だ。You made a good decision.This sentence uses 決断 to describe a good decision.Tatoeba #205545 by bunbuku, translation #42790 by CK
- トムは大学に進むことを決断しました。Tom made the decision to go to university.
- 審判は正しい判定を下しました。The referee made the correct decision.
- 彼女は留学するという決心を固めました。She firmly decided to study abroad.
- どの映画を見るかまだ決めていません。I haven't decided which movie to watch yet.
- 42 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a project timeline.
- 大翔 Hirotoスケジュールの決定はいつになりますか？Sukejūru no kettei wa itsu ni narimasu ka?When will the decision on the schedule be made?
- 美咲 Misaki明日までには決定するはずです。Ashita made ni wa kettei suru hazu desu.It should be decided by tomorrow.
- 大翔 Hiroto早めに決定してくれると助かります。Hayame ni kettei shite kureru to tasukarimasu.It would be helpful if they make the decision soon.
- 美咲 Misaki私もそう思います、大翔さん。Watashi mo sō omoimasu, Hiroto-san.I agree, Hiroto.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “decision” translations and entries 決定, 決断, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
