The Meaning of ketsui [決意] In Japanese

決意
けつい
Romaji: ketsui N3

What does 決意 mean?

Translation and Meaning

determination, resolve, decision, pledge

Definition

決意 means a firm decision to pursue a course of action, reflecting a strong commitment and readiness to act.

Type

Noun (名詞)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • Firm determination to act or pursue a goal, even when facing obstacles.
  • A formal declaration of intent or commitment to a chosen path, often in speeches or official statements.
  • Inner resolve that sustains effort and resilience over time.

Etymology

けつい is formed from the on’yomi readings of 決 (けつ) and 意 (い); as a Sino-Japanese compound, it conveys a clear sense of mental commitment behind a decision.

Origin

Introduced to Japanese through kanji borrowed from Chinese; the term has gained prominence in modern language to express personal and organizational resolve.

Composition

  • 決: to decide, determine
  • 意: mind, intention
  • Together: a mind set to make a decision and act on it; the noun names the resolved stance.

Usage

Used as a noun in formal writing, public speeches, autobiographies, and motivational contexts; typical grammar includes 決意を固める and 決意を新たにする.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: think of 決意 as a stamp that seals intention into action; the stamp makes the chosen path official and irreversible.

Variations

  • 決心 (kesshin) — determination, resolve
  • 覚悟 (kakugo) — readiness, prepared resolve
  • 断固たる決意 (dankotaru ketsui) — steadfast, unwavering resolve
  • 決断 (ketsudan) — a decision, the act of choosing

Example Phrases

  • 大学を卒業して、彼は独立を決意した。
    Daigaku o sotsugyō shite, kare wa dokuritsu o ketsui shita.
    After graduating from university, he decided to become independent.
    Lista:
    • 大学を (daigaku o) – university (object)
    • 卒業して (sotsugyō shite) – graduating
    • 彼は (kare wa) – he
    • 独立を (dokuritsu o) – independence (object)
    • 決意した (ketsui shita) – decided
    Core: 「独立」 is the noun for independence and is marked by を as the object of 決意する; 独立を決意する means to decide on independence.
  • 今日からダイエットを始め、決意を固めた。
    Kyou kara daietto o hajime, ketsui o katameta.
    From today, I started a diet and solidified my resolve.
    Lista:
    • 今日から (Kyou kara) – from today
    • ダイエットを (daietto o) – a diet
    • 始め (hajime) – start
    • 決意を (ketsui o) – determination
    • 固めた (katameta) – hardened
    「決意」 is a noun meaning determination; here, 「決意を固めた」 uses を to mark the object of 固める (to firm up), forming the set phrase 「決意を固める」.
決意