Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "きめる", "決める", "決心する", "定める"
All represent the core concept "decide", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
きめる
きめる (kimeru)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
決める
きめる (kimeru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
決心する
けっしんする (kesshinsuru)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
定める
さだめる (sadameru)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "decide" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "きめる", "決める", "決心する", "定める" based on context.
- きめる (きめる (kimeru) - Level: N5): Maps 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 (きめる (kimeru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to decide" and is used when Transitive verb. Used for making a decision, setting a plan, or determining something. Can also mean to fix or settle..
- 決心する (けっしんする (kesshinsuru) - Level: N3): Maps to "to decide, to make up one's mind, to resolve" and is used when Implies a firm, strong decision or resolution, often made after careful thought or overcoming hesitation. It is a する-verb..
- 定める (さだめる (sadameru) - Level: N2): Maps to "to decide, to establish, to set, to determine" and is used when Often implies making a formal decision, setting rules, or determining a course of action. More formal or definitive than 決める.
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.
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.
Context for "決心する"
彼は留学する決心をした。
He decided to study abroad.
Context for "定める"
会社は新しい目標を定めた。
The company established new goals.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
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" is correct here because it represents "to decide" in the context: "I decided the schedule for next week's trip.".