Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Decide" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "decide", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
決心する
けっしんする (kesshinsuru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
〜ことにする
〜ことにする (〜koto ni suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "decide" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 決心する and 〜ことにする.
In Japanese, 決心する (けっしんする (kesshinsuru)) is typically associated with "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..
On the other hand, 〜ことにする (〜ことにする (〜koto ni suru)) maps to "to decide to, to make a point of, to choose to" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Expresses a personal decision or resolution made by the speaker. It's about 'making it a rule' or 'deciding' to do something. Contrast with 「〜ことになる」which implies a decision made by others or circumstances.. A literal translation of "decide" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "決心する"
彼は留学する決心をした。
He decided to study abroad.
Bilingual Context for "〜ことにする"
明日から毎日運動することにした。
I decided to exercise every day from tomorrow.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は留学する決心をした。" (Meaning: "He decided to study abroad.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "決心する" fits here because it means "to decide, to make up one's mind, to resolve" in the context of: "He decided to study abroad.". "〜ことにする" represents "to decide to, to make a point of, to choose to".