決まり
Meanings
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
A fixed rule, regulation, or prescribed way of doing things, often in an organization or social context.
The company has a dress code.
Please proceed with the procedure according to the rules.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
settlement; conclusion; agreement
A decision, settlement, or agreed-upon outcome; often used when a matter is resolved or a deal is struck.
The negotiations finally reached a settlement.
Let's come to an agreement through discussion.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
face; countenance (in front of others)
Used almost exclusively in the set phrase 決まりが悪い, meaning to feel awkward or embarrassed in front of others.
See also: 決まりが悪い
I felt awkward after making a mistake in front of everyone.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
love relationship between a customer and a prostitute
Archaic term for a romantic or exclusive relationship between a client and a prostitute in the Edo period pleasure quarters.
In the Edo-period pleasure quarters, there existed a relationship called 決まり between a customer and a prostitute.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉の決まりを守るto follow/observe a rule
You have to follow the school's rules.
- 決まりが悪いto feel embarrassed or awkward (in front of others)
I fell down in front of everyone and felt so embarrassed.
- 〈事〉が決まりになるfor something to be decided/settled as the outcome
It was decided that next week's trip would be cancelled.
- 決まりのように〈動詞〉to do something as if it were a fixed routine
As if it were his fixed routine, he drinks coffee every morning.
- 〈事〉の決まりを破るto break a rule
He broke the team's rule and was punished.
- 〈場所〉に決まりがあるthere is a rule (in a place/organization)
This class has its own set of rules.