Diese Seite in deiner Sprache

English

فارسی

العربية

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 verb #2,000 am häufigsten 11 Min. Lesezeit

決まる

To be decided or fixed (intransitive).

kimaru Top 2,000

At the A1 level, you are just beginning your Japanese journey. The word 'kimaru' (決まる) might seem a bit advanced because it is an intransitive verb, but it is actually used in very simple, everyday situations. Imagine you are with your friends and you are trying to figure out where to eat lunch. Everyone is suggesting different places. Finally, everyone agrees on a sushi restaurant. At this moment, you can say 'kimatta!' (決まった！). This simply means 'It is decided!' or 'We have a plan!' You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just knowing that 'kimatta' means a decision has been made is incredibly useful. You will also hear your teacher use it. For example, if the date for the next test is set, the teacher might say 'Tesuto no hi ga kimarimashita' (The test day has been decided). Notice the particle 'ga' (が). We use 'ga' because 'kimaru' describes the state of the test day. It is not an action you are doing to the test day. In your daily life, try to listen for 'kimarimashita' when people are talking about schedules, plans, or rules. It is a very polite and soft way to announce a fact. Instead of saying 'I decided this,' Japanese people prefer to say 'This has been decided.' It makes everyone feel like they are part of the group. Practice saying 'Yotei ga kimarimashita' (The plan is decided). This simple phrase will help you sound much more natural when talking about your daily routines and upcoming events.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the A2 level, your understanding of Japanese grammar is expanding, and 'kimaru' becomes a crucial tool for distinguishing between transitive and intransitive verbs. You now know 'kimeru' (決める), which means 'to decide' (an action you do). 'Kimaru' (決まる) is its intransitive partner, meaning 'to be decided' (a state that exists). This distinction is vital for sounding natural. When you make a personal choice, use 'kimeru': 'Watashi ga kurepu o kimeru' (I decide on a crepe). But when a group makes a choice, or when a schedule is finalized by a company or school, use 'kimaru': 'Ryokou no hi ga kimarimashita' (The travel date has been decided). Using 'kimaru' shows respect for the group consensus and avoids sounding bossy. You should also learn the pattern '〜koto ni kimaru' (It has been decided that...). For example, 'Nihon ni ryugaku suru koto ni kimarimashita' (It has been decided that I will study abroad in Japan). This is the perfect way to announce big news to your friends or teachers. Furthermore, the negative form 'kimaranai' is very useful. If you are shopping and can't choose a shirt, you can say 'Nakanaka kimaranai' (I just can't decide / It won't be decided). Mastering these A2 patterns will allow you to navigate social plans, announce personal news, and express indecision with cultural appropriateness and grammatical accuracy.

At the B1 level, you are entering intermediate Japanese, where nuance and context become paramount. 'Kimaru' is no longer just about simple plans; it is about understanding the Japanese preference for passive-like expressions without using the actual passive form. In business or formal school settings, 'kimaru' is the standard way to report outcomes. If your boss asks about a project, saying 'Watashi ga kimemashita' (I decided it) can sound arrogant. Instead, 'Kono you ni kimarimashita' (It has been decided like this) is the polite, professional standard. It removes the ego from the statement. You also need to master the te-iru form: 'kimatte iru' (決まっている). This translates to 'it is a set rule' or 'it is a routine.' For example, 'Kono kaisha de wa, kuji ni shigoto o hajimeru to kimatte iru' (In this company, it is a rule to start work at 9 o'clock). This shows that 'kimaru' extends beyond a single decision to encompass permanent states and societal norms. Additionally, you will encounter the emphatic colloquialism '〜ni kimatte iru' (obviously / it goes without saying). If someone asks if you are tired after a marathon, you reply, 'Tsukarete iru ni kimatte iru!' (Of course I'm tired!). This adds emotional color and native-like fluency to your conversational repertoire, allowing you to express strong opinions naturally.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the B2 level, your Japanese is becoming quite advanced, and your use of 'kimaru' should reflect a deep understanding of abstract concepts and complex societal structures. You will frequently encounter 'kimaru' in news reports, essays, and formal debates. Here, it is used to describe the establishment of laws, international treaties, and corporate policies. 'Atarashii houritsu ga kimatta' (A new law has been enacted/decided). The verb conveys a sense of objective reality and institutional authority. You should also be comfortable using 'kimaru' in aesthetic and performative contexts. When a figure skater lands a perfect jump, the commentator will say 'Waza ga kimatta!' (The technique was executed perfectly!). In fashion, 'Sutsu ga bacchiri kimatte iru' means the suit looks exceptionally sharp and well-put-together. This aesthetic usage implies that all elements have fallen into their correct, optimal state. Furthermore, you must distinguish 'kimaru' from similar advanced vocabulary like 'sadamaru' (to be fixed/established) and 'kakutei suru' (to be finalized). While 'kakutei suru' is used for rigid, official confirmations (like tax returns), 'kimaru' remains the versatile, everyday choice for both concrete and abstract resolutions. Your ability to seamlessly weave 'kimaru' into discussions about societal rules, aesthetic judgments, and objective reporting will mark you as a highly proficient speaker.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the C1 level, you are approaching near-native fluency, and your mastery of 'kimaru' involves understanding its role in sophisticated pragmatics, idiomatic expressions, and high-level business Japanese. In the corporate world, 'kimaru' is essential for 'nemawashi' (consensus building). You will use it to delicately navigate negotiations, ensuring that decisions appear as collective agreements rather than individual mandates. Phrases like 'Kankei kakusho to no chousei no kekka, honken wa miokuru koto ni kimarimashita' (As a result of coordination with all relevant departments, it has been decided to postpone this matter) demonstrate a high level of diplomatic finesse. You will also encounter literary and idiomatic uses. For instance, 'Kachi ga kimaru' (The victory is decided) can be used metaphorically in business competition. You must also understand the subtle psychological implications of 'kimatte iru' when used to describe someone's rigid habits or inflexible mindset, sometimes carrying a slightly negative connotation of being 'stuck in their ways.' At this level, you are not just translating 'to be decided'; you are utilizing 'kimaru' as a sociolinguistic tool to manage relationships, project objectivity, and express complex states of finality in highly nuanced professional and academic environments.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the C2 level, your command of Japanese is exceptional, encompassing literary depth, historical context, and the absolute finest subtleties of the language. Your use of 'kimaru' is flawless, intuitive, and deeply integrated with Japanese cultural psychology. You understand that 'kimaru' is a manifestation of the Japanese worldview where events often 'become' rather than are 'made' to happen. In literature, you will appreciate how authors use 'kimaru' to evoke a sense of fate, destiny, or inescapable reality. A sentence like 'Unmei wa sude ni kimatte ita' (The fate was already sealed) carries a profound philosophical weight. You are also adept at using highly specific idioms and collocations, such as 'hara ga kimaru' (to resolve oneself / to make a firm decision in one's gut), which beautifully blends the intransitive state of 'kimaru' with the deep, personal resolve represented by 'hara' (stomach/core). You can effortlessly debate the semantic boundaries between 'kimaru', 'kiketsu suru' (to be concluded), and 'ketchaku ga tsuku' (to reach a settlement) in legal or academic discourse. At this pinnacle of proficiency, 'kimaru' is not merely a vocabulary word; it is a fundamental conceptual framework through which you articulate the realization of states, the consensus of society, and the unfolding of reality in the Japanese language.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps

決まる in 30 Sekunden

Kimaru is an intransitive verb meaning 'to be decided' or 'to be fixed,' focusing entirely on the final outcome rather than who made the decision.
It is frequently paired with the subject marker 'ga' (e.g., yotei ga kimaru) to indicate that a specific plan or schedule has been officially finalized.
Understanding the difference between the intransitive kimaru (to be decided) and the transitive kimeru (to decide) is crucial for natural-sounding Japanese communication.
Culturally, using kimaru allows speakers to sound more polite and indirect, avoiding the aggressive or overly assertive nuance of claiming direct responsibility for a decision.

The Japanese verb 'kimaru' (決まる) is an absolutely fundamental vocabulary word that every learner must master to achieve fluency. At its core, this intransitive verb translates to 'to be decided,' 'to be settled,' or 'to be fixed.' Understanding this word requires a deep dive into the Japanese preference for intransitive verbs over transitive ones in many everyday situations. When something is decided in Japanese culture, it is often expressed as a state that has come into being, rather than an action directly forced by an individual. This reflects a broader cultural tendency towards harmony, consensus, and avoiding the spotlight or direct attribution of responsibility. For instance, when a meeting date is set, saying 'the date has been decided' using 'kimaru' sounds much more natural and polite than saying 'I decided the date.'

予定が決まる.

This concept of spontaneous realization is key to mastering Japanese pragmatics. The word 'kimaru' removes the agent from the sentence, focusing entirely on the outcome. This is not just a grammatical quirk; it is a profound reflection of Japanese societal values where the group consensus is valued over individual assertion.

Intransitive Nature: Kimaru takes the particle 'ga' (が) because it describes a state of being, not an action done to an object.

Furthermore, 'kimaru' can also mean 'to be restricted' or 'to be a set rule.' For example, 'kimatta jikan' means 'a fixed time' or 'a set time.' This shows how the concept of 'decision' extends into 'permanence' or 'established routine.'

ルールが決まる.

When you use 'kimaru,' you are acknowledging that a process has concluded and a new state of reality has been established. In daily conversation, you will hear 'kimarimashita' (it has been decided) constantly. It is the standard way to announce that a plan is ready to move forward.

Cultural Nuance: Using kimaru avoids making anyone look bossy or overly authoritative.

Let's look at another example. If you are waiting for a university acceptance letter, you would say 'goukaku ga kimatta' (my passing has been decided).

合格が決まる.

You didn't decide it, the university did, but the focus is on the joyful outcome. The versatility of 'kimaru' is truly remarkable. It applies to tiny daily choices, like what to eat for dinner, all the way up to massive geopolitical treaties.

Scope of Use: From dinner plans to national laws, kimaru covers all levels of decision-making.

When a sports match ends, the winner 'kimaru'.

勝敗が決まる.

When a fashion outfit looks perfectly put together, we say it 'kimatteiru' (it is decided/it looks sharp).

ポーズが決まる.

This aesthetic usage shows that 'kimaru' also carries a nuance of 'falling perfectly into place.' Therefore, mastering 'kimaru' is not just about learning a single English translation; it is about adopting a new lens through which to view actions, outcomes, and states of being in the Japanese language. By consistently practicing this verb, you will significantly elevate the naturalness and cultural appropriateness of your spoken and written Japanese.

Using 'kimaru' correctly requires a solid understanding of Japanese sentence structure, particularly the use of particles. Because 'kimaru' is an intransitive verb, it almost always takes the subject particle 'ga' (が). The basic formula is '[Noun] ga kimaru' (The [Noun] is decided).

日にちが決まる.

You cannot use the object particle 'o' (を) with 'kimaru'. Saying 'Yotei o kimaru' is grammatically incorrect and will immediately mark you as a beginner.

Grammar Rule: Never use 'o' (を) with kimaru. Always use 'ga' (が) or 'wa' (は) for the topic.

Let's explore the different tenses and forms. The past tense, 'kimatta' (決まった) or 'kimarimashita' (決まりました), is incredibly common because we usually talk about decisions after they have been made.

旅行の行き先が決まった.

When you want to say that something is currently in a state of being decided, or that it is a fixed rule, you use the te-iru form: 'kimatte iru' (決まっている). For example, 'Asagohan wa mainichi pan to kimatte iru' means 'It is a set routine that I have bread for breakfast every day.'

Te-iru Form: Indicates a continuous state of being decided, often translating to a habit or strict rule.

Another highly useful grammatical pattern is '〜 koto ni kimaru' (〜ことに決まる). This is used when a decision has been made to do a certain action.

日本へ行くことに決まった.

It means 'It has been decided that (I/we) will go to Japan.' Notice how this pattern beautifully avoids stating exactly who made the decision. It could be your company, your family, or even yourself, but phrasing it this way makes it sound like an objective fact that has materialized. You can also use the negative form, 'kimaranai' (決まらない), to express that something cannot be decided or remains unsettled.

なかなか話が決まらない.

'Hanashi ga kimaranai' means 'The discussion isn't getting anywhere' or 'We can't reach a conclusion.'

Negative Form: Kimaranai is often paired with 'nakanaka' (なかなか) to express frustration that a decision is taking too long.

Finally, there is a colloquial usage where 'kimatte iru' means 'obviously' or 'it goes without saying.' If someone asks if you want to go to a party, you might say 'Iku ni kimatte iru!' (Of course I'm going! / It's already decided that I'm going!).

美味しいに決まっている.

This shows strong conviction. By mastering these various structures—the basic 'ga kimaru', the state 'kimatte iru', the action-oriented 'koto ni kimaru', and the emphatic 'ni kimatte iru'—you will possess a highly versatile tool for navigating Japanese conversations with native-like fluency and cultural grace.

The verb 'kimaru' is ubiquitous in Japanese society; you will hear it in almost every conceivable context, from the most casual chats between friends to the most formal corporate boardrooms. Its omnipresence is a testament to its utility in expressing outcomes without assigning blame or direct agency. In a business environment, 'kimaru' is the absolute gold standard for communicating schedules, project statuses, and corporate decisions.

次回の会議の日程が決まりました.

When an employee reports to their boss, they will say 'The schedule has been decided' rather than 'I decided the schedule,' which would sound incredibly arrogant in a hierarchical Japanese company.

Business Context: Essential for reporting progress, finalizing contracts, and setting meetings politely.

You will also hear it constantly in the news. News anchors use 'kimaru' to report on government policies, election results, and international treaties.

新しい法律が決まりました.

In these contexts, the verb lends an air of objectivity and finality to the broadcast. Moving to everyday life, 'kimaru' is the go-to word for making plans with friends. When organizing a dinner, the group chat will inevitably feature phrases like 'Mise ga kimatta?' (Has the restaurant been decided?).

Socializing: Used to confirm if the group has reached a consensus on where to go or what to do.

待ち合わせ場所が決まった.

In sports, commentators shout 'Kimatta!' when a decisive goal is scored or a match-winning point is made. Here, it means 'It's settled!' or 'That's the decider!' You will also encounter 'kimaru' in the context of fashion and aesthetics. If someone is wearing a very stylish suit, a friend might say 'Sutsu ga kimatte iru ne' (Your suit looks really sharp/perfect).

髪型がバッチリ決まっている.

This implies that the look has 'fallen into place' perfectly.

Aesthetics: Describes a state where an appearance, pose, or performance is executed flawlessly.

Finally, in anime and manga, characters often use the emphatic '〜ni kimatte iru' to express absolute certainty. A hero might yell, 'Katsu ni kimatte iru!' (Of course we will win!).

絶対に成功するに決まっている.

From the rigid structures of corporate Japan to the dramatic flair of pop culture, 'kimaru' is a linguistic chameleon, adapting to its environment while always maintaining its core meaning of a settled state. Recognizing these diverse contexts will drastically improve your listening comprehension and cultural fluency.

When learning 'kimaru', students frequently stumble over a few predictable hurdles, primarily stemming from the differences between English and Japanese grammar, as well as the confusion with its transitive counterpart, 'kimeru' (決める). The absolute most common mistake is using the object particle 'o' (を) with 'kimaru'.

❌ 予定を決まる.

Because English speakers think 'I decided the plan,' they try to directly translate this structure. However, 'kimaru' is intransitive; it cannot take a direct object. You must use 'ga' (が) or 'wa' (は).

Particle Error: Never say 'X o kimaru'. Always say 'X ga kimaru' (X is decided) or 'X o kimeru' (I decide X).

Another frequent error is mixing up the contexts for 'kimaru' and 'kimeru'. Learners often use 'kimeru' when they should use 'kimaru' to sound polite.

❌ 私が会議の時間を決めました。(Too direct for a junior employee)

While grammatically correct, saying 'I decided the meeting time' to your boss sounds arrogant. You should say 'Kaigi no jikan ga kimarimashita' (The meeting time has been decided). A third mistake involves the '〜koto ni naru' vs '〜koto ni kimaru' distinction. Both translate roughly to 'it has been decided that...', but 'kimaru' implies a specific decision was made by a person or group, whereas 'naru' implies things naturally progressed to that state.

Nuance Error: Use 'kimaru' for active decisions (like a board vote) and 'naru' for natural outcomes or destiny.

⚠️ 転勤する事に決まった。(The company actively decided it)

Students also struggle with the emphatic '〜ni kimatte iru' (obviously/it's a given). They might try to translate 'obviously' literally using words like 'akiraka ni' when 'ni kimatte iru' is much more natural in conversation.

❌ 明らかに行く。 ⭕ 行くに決まっている。

Finally, learners sometimes forget that 'kimaru' can mean 'to be a set rule' when used in the te-iru form. They might say 'It is a rule' using 'ruru desu' instead of the more natural 'kimatte iru'.

Vocabulary Limitation: Expand your understanding of kimaru beyond just 'decided' to include 'fixed' and 'routine'.

日本では靴を脱ぐと決まっている。

By actively avoiding these common pitfalls—mastering the 'ga' particle, choosing intransitive over transitive for politeness, understanding the nuances of 'naru' vs 'kimaru', and embracing its idiomatic uses—you will speak Japanese with much greater accuracy and cultural sensitivity.

To truly master 'kimaru', it is essential to understand how it relates to and differs from similar words in the Japanese lexicon. The most obvious comparison is with its transitive pair, 'kimeru' (決める). While 'kimaru' means 'to be decided' (focusing on the state), 'kimeru' means 'to decide' (focusing on the action and the agent).

Kimaru vs Kimeru: Kimaru (Intransitive): The schedule is decided. Kimeru (Transitive): I decide the schedule.

私が決める vs 予定が決まる.

Another highly similar word is 'naru' (なる), specifically in the pattern '〜koto ni naru' (it has been decided that / it has come to be that). 'Naru' emphasizes a natural progression of events, almost as if destiny or external forces brought about the result. 'Kimaru' implies that a specific decision-making process took place, even if the agent isn't mentioned.

行くことになる (It turned out I'm going).

We must also consider 'sadamaru' (定まる), which means 'to become settled' or 'to be fixed.' 'Sadamaru' is much more formal and often used in written Japanese or when talking about abstract concepts like destiny, laws, or targets.

Kimaru vs Sadamaru: Kimaru is for everyday decisions. Sadamaru is for formal, rigid, or philosophical fixations.

方針が定まる (The policy is firmly established).

Then there is 'kakutei suru' (確定する), a Sino-Japanese (kango) word meaning 'to be finalized' or 'to be confirmed.' This is highly formal and used in business, legal, or technical contexts where absolute certainty is required.

利益が確定する (Profits are finalized).

Lastly, consider 'ochitsuku' (落ち着く), which means 'to calm down' or 'to settle.' While not a direct synonym for deciding, it is often used when a chaotic situation finally reaches a stable, decided state.

Kimaru vs Ochitsuku: Use ochitsuku when a debate or turbulent situation finally settles into a conclusion.

事態が落ち着く (The situation settles down).

By understanding the subtle gradients of formality, agency, and nuance between kimaru, kimeru, naru, sadamaru, kakutei suru, and ochitsuku, you can select the exact right word for any situation, dramatically enhancing the precision and elegance of your Japanese expression.

How Formal Is It?

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

Beispiele nach Niveau

テストの日が決まりました。

The test day has been decided.

Uses が to mark the subject of the intransitive verb.

予定が決まった。

The plan is decided.

Past tense informal form.

メニューが決まりましたか？

Have you decided on the menu? (Has the menu been decided?)

Polite question form.

まだ決まっていません。

It hasn't been decided yet.

Negative state using ていません.

ルールが決まる。

The rules are decided.

Present tense, stating a fact.

時間が決まりました。

The time has been decided.

Polite past tense.

場所が決まった！

The place is decided!

Exclamatory use of informal past tense.

何も決まらない。

Nothing is decided.

Negative present tense.

日本へ行くことに決まりました。

It has been decided that I will go to Japan.

Uses the ことに決まる pattern for a decided action.

なかなか話が決まらない。

The discussion just won't come to a conclusion.

なかなか + negative verb implies difficulty.

新しい先生が決まったそうです。

I heard the new teacher has been decided.

Uses そうです for hearsay.

試合の日程が決まり次第、連絡します。

I will contact you as soon as the match schedule is decided.

Uses 次第 (as soon as) with the verb stem.

毎朝コーヒーを飲むと決まっている。

It's a set routine that I drink coffee every morning.

てぃる form showing a habit or rule.

どちらが勝つか、まだ決まっていません。

It hasn't been decided yet who will win.

Embedded question with か.

会議の場所はもう決まりましたか。

Has the meeting place been decided already?

もう (already) with past tense.

来週の予定がやっと決まった。

Next week's schedule is finally decided.

やっと (finally) emphasizes the wait.

日本では、家の中で靴を脱ぐと決まっています。

In Japan, it is a rule to take off your shoes inside the house.

と決まっている indicates a societal rule or custom.

そんなの、嘘に決まっているじゃないか！

That's obviously a lie!

に決まっている is a strong colloquialism for 'obviously'.

話し合いの結果、計画は中止になることに決まった。

As a result of the discussion, it was decided that the plan would be canceled.

Formal reporting of a decision outcome.

彼のポーズがかっこよく決まった。

His pose looked really cool and perfect.

Aesthetic use of 決まる meaning 'to look sharp'.

来月から大阪に転勤することに決まりました。

It has been decided that I will be transferred to Osaka from next month.

Standard polite way to announce a life change.

値段が決まらないと、予算が立てられない。

If the price isn't decided, we can't make a budget.

Conditional と used with the negative form.

この勝負で優勝が決まる。

The championship will be decided by this match.

Indicates the decisive factor.

あのレストランは美味しいに決まっている。

That restaurant is bound to be delicious.

Expressing strong conviction or expectation.

新しい法案が国会で可決され、施行されることが決まった。

The new bill was passed in the Diet, and its implementation has been decided.

Used in formal news reporting and politics.

彼のシュートが鮮やかに決まり、観客は歓声を上げた。

His shot went in brilliantly, and the audience cheered.

Describing a successful, decisive action in sports.

社内規定により、退職金の上限は決まっている。

According to company regulations, the upper limit for severance pay is fixed.

Describing rigid institutional rules.

いくら悩んでも、結論は最初から決まっていたような気がする。

No matter how much I worried, I feel like the conclusion was decided from the start.

Philosophical use implying destiny or inevitability.

髪型がバッチリ決まると、一日中気分がいい。

When my hair looks perfectly set, I feel good all day.

Colloquial use for personal aesthetics (バッチリ決まる).

多数決で方針が決まるのは民主主義の基本だ。

Deciding policies by majority vote is the foundation of democracy.

Discussing abstract societal concepts.

相手の弱点を突く作戦が見事に決まった。

The strategy to exploit the opponent's weakness worked perfectly.

Meaning a strategy or plan was executed successfully.

あの二人が結婚するのは時間の問題に決まっている。

It's obviously only a matter of time before those two get married.

Advanced idiomatic expression combining 時間の問題 and に決まっている.

取締役会での激しい議論の末、ついに合併の基本合意が決まった。

After intense debate at the board of directors meeting, the basic agreement for the merger was finally decided.

High-level business Japanese reporting a major corporate outcome.

腹が決まれば、あとは行動あるのみだ。

Once your mind is made up (your gut is resolved), all that's left is to act.

Idiom: 腹が決まる (to make a firm resolve).

この判例により、今後の同種事案に対する司法の判断基準が決まったと言える。

It can be said that this precedent has established the judicial criteria for similar cases in the future.

Legal context indicating the establishment of a standard.

彼の発言はいつも型に嵌まっていて、結論は聞く前から決まっている。

His statements are always stereotypical, and the conclusion is a given before you even listen.

Using 決まっている to criticize predictability or lack of originality.

勝負は一瞬の隙を突いたカウンターで決まった。

The match was decided by a counterattack that exploited a momentary opening.

Describing the exact moment of resolution in a high-stakes scenario.

交渉は暗礁に乗り上げ、妥協点が見出せないまま、決まらない状態が続いている。

The negotiations have hit a deadlock, and the unsettled state continues without finding a compromise.

Complex sentence structure describing a prolonged lack of resolution.

そのプロジェクトの成否は、初期段階のリスク管理で決まると言っても過言ではない。

It is no exaggeration to say that the success or failure of the project is determined by risk management in the initial stages.

Using 決まる to indicate the determining factor of an outcome.

伝統芸能においては、所作の一つ一つが厳密に決まっている。

In traditional performing arts, every single movement is strictly prescribed.

Describing absolute, rigid traditions.

歴史の歯車が回り始めた以上、その結末はすでに決まっていたのかもしれない。

Now that the gears of history had begun to turn, perhaps the ending was already preordained.

Literary usage evoking a sense of inescapable destiny.

各派閥の思惑が交錯する中、最終的な人事案は密室でひそかに決まった。

Amidst the intertwining motives of various factions, the final personnel plan was secretly decided behind closed doors.

Advanced political/corporate narrative style.

彼の筆致は迷いがなく、一気呵成に書き上げられた作品は見事に決まっている。

His brushwork shows no hesitation, and the work, completed in one vigorous effort, is masterfully executed.

High-level aesthetic appreciation using 決まる.

どれほど言葉を尽くそうとも、彼が耳を貸さないことは火を見るより明らかで、結果は決まりきっている。

No matter how many words are exhausted, it is as clear as day that he will not listen, and the result is a foregone conclusion.

Using the emphatic 決まりきっている (completely fixed/obvious).

大自然の摂理として、弱肉強食の掟が決まっているのは残酷な現実である。

It is a cruel reality that the law of the jungle is established as the providence of Mother Nature.

Philosophical discussion of natural laws.

長年の懸案であった国境問題が、両首脳の英断によりついに決まりを見た。

The border issue, which had been a pending concern for many years, finally saw a resolution due to the wise decision of both leaders.

Highly formal literary expression: 決まりを見る (to see a resolution).

その場の空気に流されて決まったような方針では、到底現場の支持は得られない。

A policy that seems to have been decided by simply going with the flow of the room will absolutely not gain the support of the frontline workers.

Critical analysis of decision-making processes.

覚悟が決まれば、人間はかくも強靭になれるものかと、彼の背中を見て感嘆した。

Seeing his back, I marveled at how resilient a human being can become once their resolve is fixed.

Deeply emotional and literary use of 覚悟が決まる (resolve is fixed).

Häufige Kollokationen

予定が決まる

日程が決まる

方針が決まる

勝敗が決まる

腹が決まる

行くことに決まる

ルールが決まる

ポーズが決まる

値段が決まる

覚悟が決まる

Häufige Phrasen

〜に決まっている

〜ことに決まる

なかなか決まらない

決まった時間

決まったやり方

決まり文句

決まりが悪い

お決まりの

決まりを作る

決まりを守る

Wird oft verwechselt mit

決まる vs 決める (to decide - transitive)

決まる vs なる (to become - implies natural progression rather than a decision)

決まる vs 定まる (to be fixed - more formal)

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

Leicht verwechselbar

決まる vs

Satzmuster

Registriere dich kostenlos, um alle Beispiele zu sehen

So verwendest du es

note

While primarily meaning 'to be decided', remember its aesthetic use (to look sharp/perfect) and its use for fixed rules (kimatte iru).

Häufige Fehler

Using the particle を (o) instead of が (ga) (e.g., 予定を決まる instead of 予定が決まる).
Using the transitive 決める when reporting a group decision to a superior, which sounds arrogant.
Confusing 〜ことに決まる (a decision was made) with 〜ことになる (it naturally turned out that way).
Translating 'obviously' literally instead of using the natural phrase 〜に決まっている.
Forgetting to use the te-iru form (決まっている) when talking about established rules or routines.

Tipps

Never use を (o)

The most common mistake learners make is using the object particle を with 決まる. Always remember that 決まる is intransitive. It describes a state, not an action done to an object. Use が or は instead.

Use for Politeness

When reporting a decision to a boss or teacher, use 決まりました instead of 決めました. It removes your ego from the sentence and makes it sound like a natural, objective consensus, which is highly valued in Japanese culture.

Master に決まっている

To sound like a native speaker, use 〜に決まっている when you want to say 'obviously' or 'of course.' It is much more natural in conversation than using literal translations for 'obviously' like 明らかに.

Action vs State

Remember the fundamental difference: 決める is the action of deciding, 決まる is the resulting state. If you are actively choosing from a menu, you 決める. Once the choice is made, the order is 決まった.

Learn 腹が決まる

Impress native speakers by using the idiom 腹が決まる (hara ga kimaru) when talking about making a difficult, firm resolution. It shows a deep understanding of Japanese emotional vocabulary.

Sports Commentary

If you watch Japanese sports, listen for the announcer yelling 決まった！ when a goal is scored or a match is won. It means the decisive action has been successfully executed.

Complimenting Style

You can use 決まっている to compliment someone's appearance. Saying 髪型が決まっているね (Your hair looks perfect) is a great, natural-sounding compliment.

Rules and Routines

Use the te-iru form (決まっている) to describe things that are permanent rules or set routines. It translates well to 'It is a given' or 'It is a rule.'

Expressing Indecision

When a group can't make up its mind, use なかなか決まらない. It perfectly captures the frustration of a prolonged, unresolved decision-making process.

Life Events

When announcing a major life event like a marriage, job transfer, or study abroad, use 〜ことに決まりました. It is the standard, humble way to share big news.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'kimaru' as 'KEY-maru'. The KEY has turned, and the decision is locked in (maru = circle/correct/done).

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Old Japanese verb 'kimu' meaning to close or to pack tightly, evolving into the concept of fixing or settling something firmly.

Kultureller Kontext

Used to confirm plans without being bossy.

Essential for reporting to superiors.

Used to compliment a perfect outfit or pose.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"週末の予定はもう決まりましたか？ (Have your weekend plans been decided yet?)"

"今日のランチ、どこに行くか決まった？ (Have we decided where to go for lunch today?)"

"旅行の行き先は決まりましたか？ (Has the travel destination been decided?)"

"会議の時間は何時に決まりましたか？ (What time was the meeting decided for?)"

"将来の夢は決まっていますか？ (Is your future dream decided?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

最近、あなたの中で「決まった」大きな出来事は何ですか？ (What is a big event that has been 'decided' for you recently?)

なかなか決まらなくて困っていることはありますか？ (Is there anything you are having trouble deciding?)

毎日の生活で「決まっている」ルールは何ですか？ (What are the 'fixed' rules in your daily life?)

「〜に決まっている」と強く信じていることは何ですか？ (What is something you strongly believe is 'obviously' true?)

日本の文化で「決まり」が多すぎると思うことはありますか？ (Do you think there are too many 'rules' in Japanese culture?)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Kimaru is an intransitive verb meaning 'to be decided,' while kimeru is a transitive verb meaning 'to decide.' You use kimaru when focusing on the outcome or state, often with the particle 'ga' (e.g., yotei ga kimaru). You use kimeru when focusing on the person making the decision, using the particle 'o' (e.g., watashi ga yotei o kimeru). In Japanese, kimaru is often preferred to sound more polite and less bossy.

No, you cannot use the object particle を (o) with 決まる. Because it is an intransitive verb, it does not take a direct object. You must use the subject particle が (ga) or the topic particle は (wa). For example, say 'Jikan ga kimaru' (The time is decided), not 'Jikan o kimaru'.

The phrase 〜に決まっている (ni kimatte iru) is a strong colloquial expression meaning 'obviously,' 'it goes without saying,' or 'it's a given.' For example, 'Katsu ni kimatte iru' means 'Obviously, we will win.' It shows the speaker's strong conviction about a certain outcome or fact.

The pattern 〜ことに決まる (koto ni kimaru) means 'it has been decided that...' and is followed by an action. For example, 'Nihon ni iku koto ni kimarimashita' means 'It has been decided that I will go to Japan.' It is often used to announce major life events or plans finalized by a group or organization.

To express that a decision cannot be reached, you use the negative form 決まらない (kimaranai), often paired with なかなか (nakanaka) to show frustration. For example, 'Nakanaka yotei ga kimaranai' means 'The schedule just won't be decided' or 'We can't seem to finalize the schedule.'

Yes, 決まる is extremely common and highly recommended in business settings. Using 決まる (or its polite form 決まりました) to report schedules and decisions sounds much more professional and polite than using the transitive 決める, because it emphasizes the consensus of the group rather than the action of an individual.

In the context of fashion or aesthetics, 決まっている (kimatte iru) means that something looks perfectly put together, sharp, or flawless. If someone says 'Sutsu ga kimatte iru,' they are complimenting you, saying 'Your suit looks really sharp' or 'You are pulling off that suit perfectly.'

Both can be used to talk about outcomes, but they have different nuances. 決まる implies that a specific decision-making process took place, even if the decider isn't mentioned. なる (naru), especially in the pattern 〜ことになる, implies that things naturally progressed or evolved into that state, almost like destiny or a natural consequence.

腹が決まる (hara ga kimaru) is a common idiom that literally translates to 'the stomach is decided.' In Japanese culture, the stomach (hara) is considered the center of emotion and resolve. Therefore, this idiom means 'to make a firm resolve,' 'to brace oneself,' or 'to make up one's mind deeply.'

To talk about established rules or routines, you use the te-iru form: 決まっている (kimatte iru). For example, 'Kono kaisha de wa suutsu o kiru to kimatte iru' means 'In this company, it is a rule (it is decided) that you wear a suit.'

Registriere dich kostenlos für Tipps & Notizen

Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen

writing

Write 'The plan is decided' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Use 予定 (plan) + が + 決まった (past tense).