Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Decision" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "decision", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
決定
けってい (kettei)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
決心
けっしん (kesshin)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "decision" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 決定 and 決心.
In Japanese, 決定 (けってい (kettei)) is typically associated with "decision, determination, resolution" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents The act of making a final choice or judgment. Can be a noun or verb.
On the other hand, 決心 (けっしん (kesshin)) maps to "decision; determination; resolve; making up one's mind" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to making a firm decision, resolve, or determination to act. Often used as 決心する or 固い決心. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Decision! Resolve! "I've made up my mind to protect Haruka-san for life." ...っ, T-To make such a firm decision...っ! B-Baka! Don't make me cry! Protect me forever!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『けっしん（決心）！『一生ハルカさんを守り抜くと決心しました』って…っ、そんな固い決心、プロポーズじゃないの…っ！バカ！嬉しすぎて死んじゃうから、一生守りなさい！』. A literal translation of "decision" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "決定"
大切な決定を下す前に、よく考えてください。
Please think carefully before making an important decision.
Bilingual Context for "決心"
彼は長年勤めた安定した大企業を退職し、自分の夢だったカフェを開業することを固く_______しました。
He resigned from the stable large company he worked at for many years, and firmly made up his mind to open the cafe that was his dream.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "大切な ＿＿＿ を下す前に、よく考えてください。" (Meaning: "Please think carefully before making an important decision.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "決定" fits here because it means "decision, determination, resolution" in the context of: "Please think carefully before making an important decision.". "決心" represents "decision; determination; resolve; making up one's mind".