Translation guide
The English verb "decide" covers making a choice, reaching a conclusion, or resolving to do something. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 決める (kimeru), but other expressions are used depending on whether the decision is personal, formal, collective, or about future actions.
I decided to go.
It hasn't been decided yet.
Expressing that someone chooses one option among alternatives or settles a matter.
The most common and versatile verb for 'decide'. Used for personal decisions, choices, and settling things. Transitive verb.
I decided which university to go to.
Intransitive counterpart of 決める. Means 'to be decided' or 'to be settled'. Used when the decision is made by someone else or by circumstances, or when the outcome is fixed.
Formal term for 'decide' or 'determine'. Often used in official, business, or legal contexts. Can be transitive or intransitive.
Means 'choose' or 'select'. Often used when deciding involves picking from options, but not always interchangeable with 'decide'.
Expressing a firm decision or determination to take a future action.
Pattern meaning 'decide to do ~'. Attach to the dictionary form of a verb. Implies a personal decision or resolution.
Expressing that someone concludes something after consideration, or makes a judgment.
Means 'judge' or 'decide' based on reasoning or assessment. Often used when weighing evidence or making a call.
Expressing the act of fixing or settling details like schedules or arrangements.
Again, 決める is the default for deciding specifics. Often used with particles like を or .
決める is transitive (someone decides something), while 決まる is intransitive (something is decided). Use 決める when you are the decision-maker, and 決まる when the decision is made by others or by circumstances.
I will decide the date and time.
Let's decide what to have for dinner tonight.
会議の日程が決まった。
The meeting date has been decided.
The outcome is already decided.
The government decided on a new policy.
The winner has been decided.
メニューから好きなものを選んでください。
Please choose what you like from the menu.
I decided to exercise every day.
I've decided to study abroad in Japan next year.
Pattern meaning 'it has been decided that ~' or 'it turns out that ~'. Used when the decision is made by others or by circumstances, not by the speaker's will.
It has been decided that I will be transferred next month.
Means 'make up one's mind' or 'resolve'. Emphasizes a strong personal determination, often for significant life choices.
He resolved to study abroad.
Please judge the situation and act accordingly.
I decided that he was right.
Literally 'draw a conclusion'. Used when a decision is reached after discussion or thought.
As a result of the discussion, we reached a conclusion.
Let's decide the travel itinerary.
Means 'set' or 'establish', often used for technical settings, rules, or parameters. Not for personal choices.
Please set a password.
日時が決まりました。
The date and time has been decided.
決定する is formal and can sound stiff in casual conversation. For everyday decisions, use 決める or 〜ことにする.