Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Decide" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "decide", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
きめる
きめる (kimeru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
決心する
けっしんする (kesshinsuru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "decide" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between きめる and 決心する.
In Japanese, きめる (きめる (kimeru)) is typically associated with "to decide" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Transitive verb meaning 'to decide' or 'to fix'. Often used for plans, rules, or choices. The intransitive form is 決まる.
On the other hand, 決心する (けっしんする (kesshinsuru)) maps to "to decide, to make up one's mind, to resolve" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Implies a firm, strong decision or resolution, often made after careful thought or overcoming hesitation. It is a する-verb.. A literal translation of "decide" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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 "決心する"
彼は留学する決心をした。
He decided to study abroad.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in 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!
Remember: "きめる" fits here because it means "to decide" in the context of: "I decided the schedule for next week's trip.". "決心する" represents "to decide, to make up one's mind, to resolve".