Translation and Meaning of: 決める - kimeru

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 決める (kimeru) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

Romaji: kimeru

Kana: きめる

Type: verb

L: jlpt-n4

決める

Translation / Meaning: decide

Meaning in English: to decide

Definition: make decisions and draw conclusions about things.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (決める) kimeru

The Japanese word 「決める」 (kimeru) is a verb frequently used in the Japanese language and has the main meaning of "to decide" or "to determine." Its usage is common in contexts where someone needs to make a decision or choose between different options. This term expresses the idea of finalizing a choice, meaning that the person has reached a conclusion after considering their alternatives.

The etymology of 「決める」 traces back to the kanji 「決」 (ketsu), which means "to decide" or "to resolve," along with the verbal suffix 「める」 (meru), which transforms the noun into a transitive verb. 「決」 is an ideogram composed of the radical 水 (water) and 夬 (decision), suggesting the idea of 'decision flowing' from a person, like the resolution of a subject or issue. This verb belongs to the group of second conjugation verbs, known as godan, present in the Japanese language.

In everyday life, the verb 「決める」 involves more than just simple decisions. It can be used in situations ranging from choosing the menu in a restaurant to important business decisions. The use of the verb in different contexts highlights an individual's ability to take responsibility and make decisions. Its variations, such as 「決まる」 (kimaru), which is its intransitive form, show the flexibility of the Japanese language in conveying subtle nuances of action and consequence.

In addition to its functional use in spoken language, 「決める」 also carries a cultural weight. In Japan, the ability to make decisions quickly and with confidence is admired, and the term is often associated with competence and responsibility. Decisions in personal or professional contexts are seen as a reflection of personal competence, which makes 「決める」 a valued and respected verb in Japanese society. Thus, learning to use 「決める」 appropriately not only enhances language proficiency but also offers a glimpse into the cultural norms that shape effective communication in Japan.

Verbal conjugation of 決める

See below a small list of verb conjugations: 決める (kimeru)

決める - Basic shape
決められる - Passive form
決めた - Past form
決めて - Shape yourself
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, come to a conclusion.
決断する (ketsudan suru) - make a decision, especially in difficult situations.
決心する (kesshin suru) - decide firmly, have the 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) - to judge, to 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.

SEARCH FOR MORE WORDS WITH THE SAME MEANING

Words related

セット

seto

to define

諦める

akirameru

to give up; to abandon

割る

waru

divide; cut; to break; half; separate; divide; to tear apart; to crack; smash; dilute

優勝

yuushou

general victory; championship

分量

bunryou

value; quantity

日取り

hidori

fixed date; named day

引き取る

hikitoru

take over control; take charge; retire to a private place

話

hanashi

conversation; speech; chat; history; conversation

取る

toru

take; take; pick; win; choose

所

tokoro

place

Words with the same pronunciation: きめる kimeru

How to Write in Japanese - (決める) kimeru

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese (決める) kimeru:

Example Sentences - (決める) kimeru

Below are some example sentences:

私は彼女に仕えることを決めました。

Watashi wa kanojo ni tsukaeru koto o kimemashita

I decided to serve her.

I decided to serve it.

私 (watashi) - personal pronoun meaning "I"
は (wa) - particle that marks the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
彼女 (kanojo) - noun meaning "her" or "girlfriend"
に (ni) - particle that indicates the target of the action, in this case, "for her"
仕える (tsukaeru) - The word is "serve" or "work for"
こと (koto) - noun that indicates an action or event, in this case, "to serve"
を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the action, in this case, "to serve"
決めました (kimemashita) - verb that means "decide" in the past, in this case, "I decided (to serve her)"

私は今日着る服を決めていない。

Watashi wa kyō kiru fuku o kimete inai

I still haven't decided what outfit to wear today.

I haven't decided on the clothes I wear today.

私 - Japanese personal pronoun meaning "I"
は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
今日 - Japanese adverb that means "today"
着る - Japanese verb meaning "to put on"
服 - Japanese noun that means "clothing"
を - direct object particle indicating the object of the action
決めていない - Japanese verb conjugated in the negative meaning "not to have decided"