Translation guide
The English word 'decision' is most commonly expressed in Japanese through the verb 決める (to decide) or the noun 決定 (decision). The best choice depends on whether you are talking about making a personal choice, a formal resolution, or a judgment.
Expressing that you have chosen something or made up your mind, often in everyday situations.
The most common verb for 'to decide'. Used for personal decisions, choices, and resolutions. Can be used in both casual and formal contexts.
どの大学に行くか決めた。
I decided which university to go to.
今夜は外食に決めよう。
Let's decide to eat out tonight.
Implies a firm resolution or determination, often after some deliberation. Slightly more emphatic than 決める.
彼は留学を決心した。
He made up his mind to study abroad.
A grammar pattern meaning 'decide to do ~'. Attach to the dictionary form of a verb. Very natural for expressing personal decisions.
明日からジョギングすることにした。
I decided to start jogging from tomorrow.
彼に本当のことを言うことに決めた。
I decided to tell him the truth.
Often combined with 決める for emphasis: ～ことに決める. Still very common.
毎日勉強することに決めた。
I decided to study every day.
Referring to a decision made by an organization, authority, or in a formal setting.
The standard noun for a formal decision, ruling, or resolution. Often used in business, legal, and official contexts.
裁判所の決定に従います。
We will comply with the court's decision.
会議で重要な決定がなされた。
An important decision was made at the meeting.
A decisive decision, often involving courage or a significant choice. Implies finality and resolve.
Specifically a judicial decision, verdict, or sentence. Used only in legal contexts.
Focusing on the process or moment of choosing, rather than the outcome.
Decisiveness; the ability to make decisions quickly and effectively.
リーダーには決断力が求められる。
Leaders are required to have decisiveness.
The deciding factor or clincher. Used when something is the key element in making a decision.
When 'decision' means a judgment or evaluation, often in analytical or critical contexts.
Judgment, decision based on assessment. Used when weighing options or making a call.
最終的な判断はあなたに任せます。
I'll leave the final decision to you.
状況を見て判断してください。
Please make a decision based on the situation.
A decision or ruling, often in sports, contests, or technical evaluations.
決める is the everyday verb for personal decisions. 決定する is formal and often used for official decisions. 決断する implies a bold, resolute decision, often after hesitation.
今夜のメニューを決める。
Decide tonight's menu.
委員会が方針を決定した。
The committee decided the policy.
彼は退職を決断した。
He made the decision to retire.
English often uses 'make a decision', but in Japanese it's more natural to use the verb 決める or the noun 決定 with する. Saying 決定を作る is incorrect.
社長は難しい決断を下した。
The president made a difficult decision.
裁判官は無罪の判決を言い渡した。
The judge handed down a verdict of not guilty.
The price was the deciding factor.
審判の判定に選手が抗議した。
The player protested the referee's decision.