決める

VERB (1)
[/ˈkimeɾɯ/ja-JP]
decide literal / determine literal / choose literal / make a decision formalphrase / settle on informalphrase / resolved creative / finalize formal / untranslatable concept untranslatable (The concept of '決める' encompasses nuances of decision-making that may not translate cleanly into English without additional context.)
Synonyms 選ぶ formal , 決定する formal
Antonyms 迷う

The core meaning of 決める is "to decide," "to determine," or "to choose." It implies making a firm choice or resolution after consideration, often leading to a final conclusion or commitment. Unlike simply "thinking about something" or "selecting from options," 決める often carries a nuance of finality, setting something definitively, or actively bringing something to a determined state. It conveys the act of bringing a matter to a conclusion or settling something firmly.

不規則な活用
masu nai plain ta
決めます 決めない 決める 決めた
  • 何を食べるかまだ決めていない。 — I haven't decided what to eat yet.
  • 彼は来年日本に行くことを決めた。 — He decided to go to Japan next year.
  • このプロジェクトは、次の会議で最終的に決められる。 — This project will be finally decided at the next meeting.
  • 彼女は目標を達成すると心に決めた。 — She resolved in her heart to achieve her goal.
  • 部長が新しい方針を決めました。 — The department head decided on a new policy.