Translation guide
The quality of being firmly decided or resolved to achieve something. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through nouns describing willpower and resolve, verbs for deciding firmly, and set phrases that convey unwavering intent.
Expressing a strong inner decision to accomplish something, often despite difficulties.
The most common and versatile noun for 'determination' or 'resolve'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
彼は強い決意を持って試験に臨んだ。
He faced the exam with strong determination.
決意を固める。
To firm up one's determination.
Implies determination with readiness to face consequences or hardship. Often used for serious, life-changing decisions.
彼は辞職する覚悟だ。
He is determined to resign (and prepared for the consequences).
覚悟を決める。
To resolve oneself; to steel one's heart.
Refers to 'will' or 'volition'. Often used in contexts of willpower or the strength of one's intentions.
彼女は強い意志で困難を乗り越えた。
She overcame difficulties with strong determination.
Describing the moment or process of making a firm decision.
The verb 'to make up one's mind' or 'to resolve'. Commonly used for personal decisions.
彼は留学を決心した。
He determined to study abroad.
A colloquial phrase meaning 'to make up one's mind' or 'to resolve oneself', literally 'to decide one's stomach'.
腹を決めて、彼に真実を話した。
I made up my mind and told him the truth.
The quality of continuing firmly in a course of action despite obstacles.
Refers to 'guts', 'willpower', or 'fighting spirit'. Often used in sports or challenging situations.
彼は根性で最後まで走り抜いた。
He ran to the end through sheer determination.
Literally 'tenacity' or 'persistence'. Emphasizes sticking with something over time.
成功には粘り強さが必要だ。
Determination is necessary for success.
Expressing determination in formal speeches, writing, or official contexts.
A formal phrase meaning 'unshakable determination' or 'inflexible resolve'. Used in speeches or literature.
彼は不退転の決意で改革に臨んだ。
He approached the reform with unshakable determination.
決意 is a general, positive resolve to achieve something. 覚悟 carries a heavier nuance of being prepared for negative outcomes or sacrifice. Use 覚悟 when the determination involves accepting risk or hardship.
彼は成功する決意だ。
He is determined to succeed.
彼は失敗を覚悟している。
He is prepared for failure.