Translation guide
How to express deciding or resolving to do something in Japanese, from casual to formal.
The most common meaning: to choose between options or settle on a course of action.
The basic verb for 'decide'. Use it when you're choosing something or making a decision.
どの大学に行くか決めた？
Have you decided which university to go to?
まだ決めてない。
I haven't decided yet.
A more formal or serious word for 'make up one's mind', implying determination or resolve.
彼は留学する決心をした。
He made up his mind to study abroad.
Literally 'settle one's stomach', meaning to steel oneself or make a firm decision, often in a tough situation.
腹を決めて、上司に話そう。
I'll make up my mind and talk to my boss.
When you finally decide to take action after hesitation.
Means 'to become resolved' or 'to make up one's mind'. Often used after wavering.
やっと転職する決心がついた。
I finally made up my mind to change jobs.
To prepare oneself mentally for a difficult or risky decision. Stronger than 決心する.
彼は失敗を覚悟で起業する覚悟を決めた。
He made up his mind to start a business, prepared for failure.
Pattern meaning 'decide to do ~'. Attach to the dictionary form of a verb.
毎日運動することに決めた。
I made up my mind to exercise every day.
When you need to pick one thing from several possibilities.
Means 'choose' or 'select'. Use when the decision involves picking among alternatives.
どの色にするか選んで。
Make up your mind which color you want.
Literally 'decide on one or the other'. Used when someone is wavering between two options.
早くどちらかに決めてください。
Please make up your mind quickly.
The English phrase 'make up one's mind' doesn't have a direct word-for-word equivalent. Avoid literal translations like 心を作る (kokoro wo tsukuru). Use the verbs and phrases above depending on context.
決める is the everyday word for 'decide'. 決心する implies a stronger, often life-changing decision. Use 決心する for serious resolutions like quitting a job or moving abroad.