Japanese Conversation · Level 119
60 words
Japanese word
定める
Pronunciation
Romajisadameru
Meaning
- verbdecide
Example
会議で役割を定めます。kai gi de yaku wari o sada me ma su
We decide on the roles at the meeting.
More examples
話し合いの前に、みんなで目標を定めます。hana shi a i no mae ni mi n na de moku hyō o sada me ma su
Before the discussion, we set a goal together.
Core concept
Presents a decision, rule, or boundary as settled rather than left open.
Common phrases
方針を定めるhō shin o sada me ru
set a policy
目標を定めるmoku hyō o sada me ru
set a goal
期限を定めるki gen o sada me ru
set a deadline
Similar words
決めるkimeru: To settle what will be done or used.
決定するketteisuru: To settle an issue through an official decision.
取り決めるtorikimeru: To agree on and establish a rule or plan.
Definition in Japanese
考えた上で物事を決め、その内容を一定のものとして確定すること。kanga e ta ue de mono goto o ki me so no nai yō o it tei no mo no to shi te kaku tei su ru ko to
Word origin
定める (sadameru, "to make fixed") forms a transitive pair with 定まる (sadamaru, "to become fixed"); the pair is based on the idea of something becoming settled.
Usage tips
- 定める (sadameru) commonly describes establishing a rule, policy, or goal, so it appears more often in formal settings than in casual talk about small personal choices.