Translation guide
How to express deciding or resolving to do something in Japanese, from casual to formal.
I can't make up my mind.
Have you made up your mind?
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.
Have you decided which university to go to?
I haven't decided yet.
A more formal or serious word for 'make up one's mind', implying determination or resolve.
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.
When you finally decide to take action after hesitation.
Means 'to become resolved' or 'to make up one's mind'. Often used after wavering.
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.
Pattern meaning 'decide to do ~'. Attach to the dictionary form of a verb.
When you need to pick one thing from several possibilities.
Means 'choose' or 'select'. Use when the decision involves picking among alternatives.
Make up your mind which color you want.
Literally 'decide on one or the other'. Used when someone is wavering between two options.
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.
I'll make up my mind and talk to my boss.
He made up his mind to start a business, prepared for failure.
I made up my mind to exercise every day.