What is the difference between "きめる" and "決める"?

"きめる" means "to decide" (N5), whereas "決める" represents "to decide" (N4).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "きめる (kimeru)"

Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.

Kanji Option A

きめる (kimeru)

N5 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

きめる (kimeru)

N4 / CEFR

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "きめる (kimeru)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.

きめる (Level: N5): Translates to "to decide" and is used when Transitive verb meaning 'to decide' or 'to fix'. Often used for plans, rules, or choices. The intransitive form is 決まる.
決める (Level: N4): Maps to "to decide" and carries the nuance of Transitive verb. Used for making a decision, setting a plan, or determining something. Can also mean to fix or settle..

Mixing these up can easily result in unnatural writing. Look at the bilingual context cards below to master the conceptual boundaries!

Bilingual Context for "きめる"

来週の旅行の予定を決めました。

I decided the schedule for next week's trip.

Bilingual Context for "決める"

来週の旅行の予定を決めました。

I decided on the travel plans for next week.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "来週の旅行の予定を決めました。" (Meaning: "I decided the schedule for next week's trip.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "きめる" is used for "to decide" in the context: "I decided the schedule for next week's trip.".