Translation guide
How to express resolving, deciding, or concluding an issue or dispute in Japanese.
To bring a disagreement, conflict, or issue to an end through discussion, decision, or action.
The most general and neutral way to say 'settle a matter/problem'. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
この問題を早く解決しなければならない。
We must settle this matter quickly.
Literally 'to settle things', often implying calming a situation or bringing closure, especially in interpersonal conflicts.
To decide something conclusively, often after deliberation.
Means to bring a matter to a conclusion or settlement, often after debate or competition. Common in business and formal contexts.
会議でその件に決着をつけた。
We settled the matter at the meeting.
To settle a debt, bill, or account.
Means to complete payment. Natural for settling bills or debts.
今日中に支払いを済ませてください。
Please settle the payment by today.
解決する focuses on solving a problem, while 決着をつける emphasizes reaching a conclusion or settlement, often after a dispute or competition.
The English 'settle a matter' can be translated literally as 事を定める, but this is not natural. Use the phrases above depending on context.
He stepped in and settled the matter.
Specifically for settling a dispute or conflict. More formal and explicit than 問題を解決する.
両国は平和的に争いを解決した。
The two countries settled the dispute peacefully.
A colloquial expression meaning 'to settle' or 'to bring to a conclusion'. Often used when a matter has been lingering.
この件に早くけりをつけよう。
Let's settle this matter quickly.
Simply 'to decide'. Use when the focus is on making a decision rather than resolving a conflict.
方針は明日決定する。
We will settle the policy tomorrow.
Colloquial, similar to けりをつける, meaning to finish or settle something, often with a sense of finality.
残りの仕事に片をつけてしまおう。
Let's settle the remaining work.
To settle accounts, liquidate, or clear debts. More formal, used in business or legal contexts.
借金を清算した。
I settled my debts.