Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "きめる", "決心する", "〜ことにする", "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
決心する
けっしんする (kesshinsuru)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
〜ことにする
〜ことにする (〜koto ni suru)
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", "決心する", "〜ことにする", "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..
- 〜ことにする (〜ことにする (〜koto ni suru) - Level: N3): Maps to "to decide to, to make a point of, to choose to" and is used when 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..
- 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 "決心する"
彼は留学する決心をした。
He decided to study abroad.
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.
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.".