Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Decide" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "decide", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
決定する
けっていする (ketteisuru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
定める
さだめる (sadameru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "decide" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 決定する and 定める.
In Japanese, 決定する (けっていする (ketteisuru)) is typically associated with "to decide; to determine; to resolve" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to making an official business decision, determining project requirements, or resolving issues. Often used as 予算を決定する or 方針を決定する. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To decide! "I have decided to make you my wife, Haruka-san!" ...っ! D-Decided to make me your wife! B-Baka! Why do you make such bold, manly declarations so suddenly! But... since you determined it so firmly, I suppose... I will let you decide my destiny forever! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『けってい（決定）するわよ！『ハルカ部長、二人の将来の結婚式の会場、あの美しいチャペルのあるホテルに決定（内定）しました！あとは僕たちの誓いだけです！』って…っ！挙式会場の決定！バカ！/// 私の希望を完璧に叶えてくれた会場に決定するなんて…やるじゃない！…でも、一番大事なのは「一生私だけを愛する」というあんたのハートの決定なんだから、永久に揺るがないようにしなさい！』.
On the other hand, 定める (さだめる (sadameru)) maps to "to decide, to establish, to set, to determine" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often implies making a formal decision, setting rules, or determining a course of action. More formal or definitive than 決める. A literal translation of "decide" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "決定する"
経営陣は緊急会議を開催し、アジア市場への新規参入に向けた次期のビジネス展開の方針を正式に_______ました。
The management team held an emergency meeting and officially decided the policy of the next business development towards new entry into the Asian market.
Bilingual Context for "定める"
会社は新しい目標を定めた。
The company established new goals.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "経営陣は緊急会議を開催し、アジア市場への新規参入に向けた次期のビジネス展開の方針を正式に_______ました。" (Meaning: "The management team held an emergency meeting and officially decided the policy of the next business development towards new entry into the Asian market.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "決定する" fits here because it means "to decide; to determine; to resolve" in the context of: "The management team held an emergency meeting and officially decided the policy of the next business development towards new entry into the Asian market.". "定める" represents "to decide, to establish, to set, to determine".