Translation guide
How to express 'make a decision' naturally in Japanese, from formal to casual contexts.
To decide something, to make a choice after consideration.
The most common and versatile verb for 'to decide'. Used in everyday conversation.
どの大学に行くか決めました。
I decided which university to go to.
まだ決めてない。
I haven't decided yet.
A more formal verb, often used in business or official contexts.
会議で新しい方針を決定しました。
We decided on a new policy at the meeting.
Literally 'to hand down a decision', implying a weighty or final decision. Used in serious contexts.
社長は難しい決断を下した。
The president made a difficult decision.
To select one thing from several possibilities.
Means 'to choose' or 'to select'. Often used when the decision involves picking something.
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.
どちらを選ぶか決められない。
I can't decide which one to choose.
Also used for choosing, especially when the choice is final.
To resolve to do something after hesitation.
Expresses determination or resolve. Often used for personal decisions.
彼は留学することを決心した。
He made up his mind to study abroad.
やっと決心がついた。
I finally made up my mind.
Literally 'to settle one's stomach', meaning to resolve oneself, often for something difficult.
腹を決めて上司に話しに行った。
I made up my mind and went to talk to my boss.
To come to a decision after discussion or thought.
Means 'to reach a conclusion'. Common in meetings and debates.
話し合いの結果、結論を出しました。
As a result of the discussion, we reached a conclusion.
To settle a matter or bring something to a conclusion, often after conflict.
この問題に早く決着をつけなければならない。
We must settle this issue quickly.
決める is the everyday verb for 'decide'. 決定する is formal and often used for official decisions. 決心する emphasizes personal resolve or determination.
今夜の夕食は何にするか決めよう。
Let's decide what to have for dinner tonight.
委員会が新しい規則を決定した。
The committee decided on new rules.
彼女はタバコをやめることを決心した。
She made up her mind to quit smoking.
Learners sometimes use 決定する for all decisions, but it sounds stiff in casual conversation. Stick with 決める for everyday situations.
I decided on Okinawa for the trip.