What does 決 mean in Japanese?
決 means “decide” in Japanese. You will often see it in practical words such as 決める (to decide), 決まる (to be decided), and 決定 (decision).
For learners, the key is to study 決 through real vocabulary. The examples below show how the kanji works in words, sentences, and related kanji.
Reading
On’yomi: ケツ (ketsu)
Kun’yomi: き-める (ki-meru), き-まる (ki-maru)
Basic Information
| Kanji | 決 |
|---|
How to Understand This Kanji
決 is not limited to one English translation. In 決める (きめる), it means to decide; in 決まる (きまる), it points to to be decided; and in 決定 (けってい), it is used for decision. Reading these compounds side by side helps you understand the range of the kanji.
Common Words
- 決める（きめる / kimeru） — to decide
- 決まる（きまる / kimaru） — to be decided
- 決定（けってい / kettei） — decision
- 解決（かいけつ / kaiketsu） — solution
- 決勝（けっしょう / kesshō） — final match
- 決して（けっして / kesshite） — never
Example Sentences
-
明日までに決めます。
あしたまでにきめます。 / Ashita made ni kimemasu.
I will decide by tomorrow.
-
会議で日程が決まりました。
かいぎでにっていがきまりました。 / Kaigi de nittei ga kimarimashita.
The schedule was decided at the meeting.
-
問題を解決しました。
もんだいをかいけつしました。 / Mondai o kaiketsu shimashita.
I solved the problem.
When Learners Usually See This Kanji
Start with 決める (きめる / kimeru) because it keeps the core meaning of 決 clear. Then add 決まる and 決定 to see how the reading and meaning shift in real vocabulary. Do not memorize 決 as a single English word; connect it to actual words and example sentences.
Summary
決 means “decide” and appears in useful Japanese words such as 決める, 決まる, and 決定.