Translation and Meaning of: 決める - kimeru

The Japanese word 決める[きめる] is an essential verb for anyone learning the language, as it frequently appears in daily conversations and formal situations. Its main meaning is "to decide" or "to determine," but its use goes beyond the literal sense, reflecting cultural and social aspects of Japan. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is written and pronounced, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively.

If you have studied Japanese, you have probably come across 決める in phrases like 予定を決める (to decide on a plan) or 勝負を決める (to decide a match). But why is this verb so common? Is there a connection with Japanese culture, which values collective decisions and consensus? Let’s explore this and much more throughout the text, always with precise and reliable information, such as what you find in the Suki Nihongo dictionary.

Meaning and usage of 決める

決める is a transitive verb that means "to decide," "to determine," or "to establish." It is used when someone makes a resolution about something, whether it's a simple everyday choice or an important decision. For example, when arranging a meeting with friends, you might say 場所を決める (decide the place). In more serious contexts, such as business, it appears in expressions like 方針を決める (define a policy).

An interesting feature of this verb is that it can convey the idea of a final decision, something that will not be easily changed. This reflects a Japanese cultural trait, where decisions are often made after much reflection and discussion. It's no wonder that 決める frequently appears in work meetings and family planning, showing its significance in the language.

Writing and pronunciation of 決める

The verb 決める is composed of the kanji 決, which carries the idea of decision, resolution, and determination. This character is formed by the water radical (氵) and the component 夬, which used to represent something being cut or separated. This combination suggests the notion of "cutting possibilities," meaning choosing one option among several. The reading きめる is the most common, but the same kanji can also be read as けつ in words like 決定 (formal decision).

When pronouncing 決める, it’s important to pay attention to the accent. The stressed syllable falls on "ki", sounding like "KÍ-me-ru". Intonation errors can cause confusion, especially since there are similar words, such as 極める (to reach the peak). A tip for memorizing the writing is to associate the kanji 決 with the moment you "cut" through doubts and make a definitive choice.

Deciding in Japanese culture and society

In Japan, individual decisions are often influenced by the group, and 決める reflects this. In companies, for example, it is common to hear phrases like 会議で決める (let's decide in the meeting), showing that many choices are made collectively. This verb also appears in contexts where the opinion of superiors or more experienced individuals is taken into account, such as in 先生が決める (the teacher decides).

Another interesting cultural aspect is the use of 決める in situations that involve commitment and responsibility. When someone says 約束を決める (make a commitment), there is an understanding that this will not be easily broken. This notion of keeping one's word and making a firm decision is something valued in Japanese society, and understanding this context helps to use the verb more naturally in everyday life.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 決める

• 決める - basic form
• 決められる - passive form
• 決めた - Past form
• 決めて - Form Te
• 決めよう - Volitive form
• 決めすぎる - potential form
• 決めている - Continuous form
• 決めない - negative form

Synonyms and similar words

• 決定する (kettei suru) - decide, reach a conclusion.
• 決断する (ketsudan suru) - making a decision, especially in difficult situations.
• 決心する (kesshin suru) - to decide firmly, to have determination.
• 決め付ける (kimetsukeru) - import a decision or idea, make assumptions.
• 決め込む (kimekomu) - decide in advance, establish a decision without considering alternatives.
• 決め打つ (kime u) - decide quickly or make a clear choice.
• 決める (kimeru) - decide, choose, establish.
• 定める (sadameru) - determine, establish, regulate (in formal contexts).
• 判定する (hantei suru) - judge, make a judgment based on specific criteria.
• 判断する (handan suru) - make an assessment or judgment, decide on something based on available information.
• 規定する (kitei suru) - specify, regulate, establish norms or rules.
• 設定する (settei suru) - configure, establish conditions or parameters.
• 定義する (teigi suru) - define, explain the meaning of something precisely.

決める

Romaji: kimeru
Kana: きめる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: decide

Meaning in English: to decide

Definition: make decisions and draw conclusions about things.

Example Sentences - (決める) kimeru

See below some example sentences:

咄嗟に決める

Totsuzen ni kimeru

Decide all of a sudden.

Decide immediately

• 咄嗟に (totsuzen ni) - suddenly, immediately
• 決める (kimeru) - decide, determine

学歴は人生を決めるわけではない。

Gakureki wa jinsei o kimeru wake de wa nai

Academics do not determine life.

Educational formation does not determine life.

• 学歴 - means "school report" or "academic formation".
• は - topic particle that indicates that the subject of the sentence is "学歴".
• 人生 - means "human life."
• を - object particle that indicates that "人生" is the direct object of the sentence.
• 決める - verb that means "to decide" or "to determine".
• わけ - noun that means "reason" or "motive".
• ではない - negative expression that means "it isn't."

人生を導く道は自分で決めるものだ。

Jinsei wo michibiku michi wa jibun de kimeru mono da

The way to lead life is to decide on your own.

• 人生 - Life
• を - object particle
• 導く - Guide
• 道 - Path
• は - Topic particle
• 自分 - Yourself
• で - Location particle
• 決める - Decide
• もの - Thing
• だ - Completion particle

勝敗は時に運命を決める。

Shōhai wa toki ni unmei o kimeru

Victory is sometimes destiny.

• 勝敗 - victory or defeat
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 時に - sometimes
• 運命 - destination
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 決める - decide

政策は国の未来を決める重要な要素です。

Seisaku wa kuni no mirai o kimeru juuyou na youso desu

Politics is an important element that decides the country's future.

Politics is an important factor in determining the country's future.

• 政策 (seisaku) - Policy
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 国 (kuni) - Country
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 未来 (mirai) - Future
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 決める (kimeru) - Decide
• 重要な (juuyou na) - Important
• 要素 (yousou) - Element
• です (desu) - polite way of being

私たちは明日の計画を決める必要があります。

Watashitachi wa ashita no keikaku o kimeru hitsuyō ga arimasu

We need to decide the plan for tomorrow.

We need to decide on tomorrow's plan.

• 私たち - 私たち
• 明日 - "明日"
• の - Possession particle in Japanese
• 計画 - "プラン" em japonês.
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 決める - "decidir" em japonês é 決定する (kettei suru).
• 必要 - "Necessário" in Japanese
• が - Subject particle in Japanese.
• あります - "存在する" (sonzai suru)

私は彼女に尽くすことを決めました。

Watashi wa kanojo ni tsukusu koto o kimemashita

I decided to dedicate myself to her.

I decided to do my best.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that marks the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 彼女 (kanojo) - noun that means "girlfriend"
• に (ni) - particle that indicates the target of the action, in this case "for my girlfriend"
• 尽くす (tsukusu) - A verb that means "to dedicate oneself," "to serve," or "to treat with care."
• こと (koto) - noun that means "thing," used to transform the verb into a noun
• を (wo) - particle that marks the direct object of the action, in this case "the dedication"
• 決めました (kimemashita) - verb that means "to decide," conjugated in the past, indicating that the action has already been completed.

多数決で決めましょう。

Tasūketsu de kimemashou

We will decide by majority vote.

We will decide by majority vote.

• 多数決 - which means "majority decision" in Japanese, is a decision-making method in which the option chosen is the one that receives the most votes.
• で - is a Japanese particle that indicates the means or method used to do something.
• 決めましょう - is a Japanese expression meaning "let's decide". It's made up of the verb 決める (decide) and the suggestion particle ましょう (let's).

彼は引退することを決めました。

Kare wa intai suru koto o kimemashita

He decided to retire.

• 彼 (kare) - He
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 引退する (intai suru) - Retirement
• こと (koto) - Abstract noun
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 決めました (kimemashita) - Decided

私は新しいレシピを試みることに決めました。

Watashi wa atarashii reshipi o kokoromiru koto ni kimemashita

I decided to try a new recipe.

I decided to try a new recipe.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 新しい (atarashii) - 新しい (atarashii)
• レシピ (reshipi) - Japanese noun that means "recipe".
• を (wo) - direct object particle indicating the object of the action, in this case "recipe"
• 試みる (kokoromiru) - Japanese verb that means "to try"
• ことに (koto ni) - expression that indicates the intention or decision to do something
• 決めました (kimemashita) - Japanese verb meaning "decide" in the past tense