Examples by Level
私は日本に行くと決心しました。
I decided to go to Japan.
A common pattern is [destination] に行く (to go to [destination]) followed by と決心する (to decide to do [verb]).
彼は毎日勉強すると決心した。
He resolved to study every day.
Here, [action] と決心する (to resolve to do [verb]) is used.
私たちは一緒に旅行すると決心した。
We determined to travel together.
一緒に (together) is a useful adverb to combine with activities.
彼女は新しい仕事を始めると決心した。
She made up her mind to start a new job.
新しい (new) comes before the noun it modifies.
私は朝早く起きると決心した。
I decided to wake up early in the morning.
朝早く (early in the morning) is a set phrase.
彼は禁煙すると決心した。
He decided to quit smoking.
禁煙する (to quit smoking) is a common verb.
私たちは日本語を学ぶと決心した。
We decided to learn Japanese.
学ぶ (to learn) is often used for academic subjects or skills.
彼女は犬を飼うと決心した。
She made up her mind to get a dog.
飼う (to keep/raise a pet) is the correct verb here.
彼は留学を決心した。
He decided to study abroad.
彼女はその困難な課題に立ち向かうことを決心した。
She resolved to face that difficult challenge.
私はもう二度と嘘をつかないと決心した。
I made up my mind never to lie again.
彼らは新しい事業を始めることを決心した。
They determined to start a new business.
どんなことがあっても、目標を達成すると決心しています。
No matter what happens, I am resolved to achieve my goal.
彼女は自分の夢を追いかけることを決心した。
She made up her mind to pursue her dream.
私たちはこの問題を解決するために協力すると決心しました。
We determined to cooperate to solve this problem.
彼は転職を決心し、新しい分野に挑戦することにした。
He resolved to change jobs and decided to challenge a new field.
Tips
Focus on the 'kesshin' part
The kanji 決 (ketsu) means decide, and 心 (shin) means heart or mind. So, 決心 (kesshin) literally means 'decided mind' or 'resolved heart'.
Understand the 'suru' verb
決心する (kesshin suru) is a common pattern where a noun (決心) is combined with the verb する (suru) meaning to do. This creates a verb meaning 'to do a resolution' or 'to resolve'.
Use it for significant decisions
決心する is typically used for more significant or important decisions, not for everyday choices. Think life-changing decisions or strong commitments.
It implies inner conviction
When you 決心する, it implies a strong inner conviction and determination. It's not just making a choice, but really setting your mind to something.
Practice with examples
Try to use it in sentences. For example, 禁煙することを決心した (Kin'en suru koto o kesshin shita) - I resolved to quit smoking.
Compare with 決める (kimeru)
While both mean 'to decide', 決める (kimeru) is more general. 決心する has a stronger nuance of resolve and firmness.
Don't overuse for small decisions
Using 決心する for minor decisions like 'I resolved to eat sushi today' would sound a bit overdramatic in Japanese.
Reflects Japanese resolve
This word reflects a cultural emphasis on firm determination and commitment once a decision is made.
Look for related kanji
Keep an eye out for other words using 決 (ketsu) like 決定 (kettei - decision) or 解決 (kaiketsu - solution). This helps build your kanji vocabulary.
Listen for its usage
Pay attention to how native speakers use 決心する in anime, dramas, or everyday conversations. This helps you grasp the nuance.
Test Yourself 12 questions
He decided to work in Tokyo.
I resolved to study more Japanese.
She is determined to study abroad.
Read this aloud:
何かを決心しましたか？
Focus: 決心しましたか (kesshin shimashita ka)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
新しいことに挑戦すると決心してください。
Focus: 決心してください (kesshin shite kudasai)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
彼女は彼と結婚すると決心しました。
Focus: 決心しました (kesshin shimashita)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The speaker is talking about overcoming a difficult period.
The speaker describes someone's strong determination to achieve a goal.
The sentence is about someone deciding to pursue a long-held dream of studying abroad.
Read this aloud:
どんなに困難な状況でも、自分の決心を貫くことが大切です。
Focus: 決心 (kesshin)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
彼は、このプロジェクトを成功させるために、すべてを捧げる決心をしました。
Focus: 捧げる (sasageru), 決心 (kesshin)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
将来のために、今から真剣に勉強すると決心しました。
Focus: 真剣 (shinken)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
/ 12 correct
Perfect score!
Focus on the 'kesshin' part
The kanji 決 (ketsu) means decide, and 心 (shin) means heart or mind. So, 決心 (kesshin) literally means 'decided mind' or 'resolved heart'.
Understand the 'suru' verb
決心する (kesshin suru) is a common pattern where a noun (決心) is combined with the verb する (suru) meaning to do. This creates a verb meaning 'to do a resolution' or 'to resolve'.
Use it for significant decisions
決心する is typically used for more significant or important decisions, not for everyday choices. Think life-changing decisions or strong commitments.
It implies inner conviction
When you 決心する, it implies a strong inner conviction and determination. It's not just making a choice, but really setting your mind to something.
Related Content
More emotions words
ぼんやり
B1Vaguely; absentmindedly; dimly.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1To accept; to take; to grasp.
達成感
B1Sense of accomplishment.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1To adapt; to adjust.
健気な
B2Brave, admirable, or plucky (especially of a weaker person).
感心な
B1Admirable; deserving admiration.
感心
B1Admiration, impression, or being impressed.
感心する
B1To be impressed; to admire.
