How to Say "Determination" in Japanese

決意

ketsui[ke̞t͡sɨi]

To say determination in Japanese, use 決意 (ketsui).

決意 means firm resolve, the decision you have made in your mind to do something.

Meaning: quality of mind which reaches definite conclusions, decisive character, resoluteness (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

決 means to decide, and 意 means mind or will.

It is pronounced ketsui.

Japanese has a distinct concept called 根性 (konjō), which is often translated as 'determination' but specifically refers to a dogged, stubborn persistence through hardship.
While 決意 is a noun, the phrase 決意を固める ('to harden one's determination') is the common way to describe the process of becoming resolute, using a metaphor of physical solidification.
In many Japanese martial arts, a person's determination or spirit is often discussed through the concept of 気 (ki), the same 'energy' or 'spirit' found in 'ki' in 'ki-ai'.

彼の決意は固い。
Kare no ketsui wa katai.
His determination is firm.
新しいプロジェクトへの決意を固める。
Atarashii purojekuto e no ketsui o katameru.
To make a determination regarding the new project.
その決意は素晴らしい。
Sono ketsui wa subarashii.
That determination is wonderful.

Yota and Yui are discussing a difficult goal.

陽太 Yota

本当に一人でやってみるつもりなの？
Hontou ni hitori de yatte miru tsumori nano?
Do you really intend to try this alone?
結衣 Yui

うん、もう決意を固めたよ。
Un, mou ketsui o katameta yo.
Yes, I've already made up my determination.
陽太 Yota

すごいね。応援するよ、結衣。
Sugoi ne. Ouen suru yo, Yui.
That's impressive. I'll support you, Yui.
結衣 Yui

ありがとう、陽太。
Arigatou, Yota.
Thank you, Yota.

Sources

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