Translation guide
Expressing determination, resolve, or a firm decision to do something. Japanese uses various verbs and set phrases depending on whether the determination is a personal resolution, a fixed plan, or an emotional commitment.
The speaker has made up their mind to do something, often as a personal goal or resolution.
A common way to say 'be determined to do' by stating the decision as a resolution. The part before と is the volitional form or a noun phrase.
彼は医者になろうと決心した。
He was determined to become a doctor.
I am determined to exercise every day.
Expresses a firm intention or plan. While it can simply mean 'intend to', in context it conveys determination.
絶対に合格するつもりだ。
I am determined to pass, no matter what.
A stronger, more formal expression meaning 'to firmly resolve'. Often used in writing or speeches.
彼女は留学を固く決意した。
She was firmly determined to study abroad.
Implies being prepared for the worst or accepting the consequences; a gritty determination.
失敗してもいい覚悟だ。
I'm determined, even if I fail.
Literally 'decide in one's heart', a poetic or emotional way to express determination.
彼は二度と嘘をつかないと心に決めた。
He was determined never to lie again.
Something is decided and will happen; often used for events, rules, or outcomes.
Indicates that something has been decided or arranged, often by an external authority or circumstance.
会議は来週行われることになっている。
It has been determined that the meeting will be held next week.
Used for rules or fixed outcomes, often in the sense of 'it is decided that'.
規則でそう決まっている。
It is determined by the rules.
The outcome or nature of something is decided by something else.
Shows that something is determined by a particular factor.
成功は努力によって決まる。
Success is determined by effort.
Means 'depends on' and implies that the outcome is determined by the mentioned factor.
結果は君の努力次第だ。
The result is determined by your effort.
決心する is a general resolution; 決意する is more formal and often used for public declarations; 覚悟する implies readiness for hardship or negative outcomes.
The English passive 'be determined' does not directly translate to a single Japanese verb. Use the patterns above depending on context.