Japanese word

決心

Pronunciation

Romajikesshin

Meaning

  • noundetermination

Example

私は毎日運動すると決心しました。watashi wa mai nichi un dō su ru to kes shin shi ma shi ta

I decided to exercise every day.

Illustration for 決心 (determination)

More examples

一度した決心を、簡単には変えません。ichi do shi ta kes shin o kan tan ni wa ka e ma se n

I will not easily change a decision I have made.

Core concept

Describes a firm inner decision that directs someone toward a chosen action.

Common phrases

  • 決心がつくkes shin ga tsu ku

    make up one's mind

  • 固い決心kata i kes shin

    firm determination

  • 決心を固めるkes shin o kata me ru

    strengthen one's resolve

Similar words

決意ketsui: A firm decision to pursue a particular goal or course of action.
決断ketsudan: A decision made after considering a difficult choice.
覚悟kakugo: A readiness to accept the results or difficulties of a chosen action.

Definition in Japanese

あることをすると固く決めること。a ru ko to o su ru to kata ku ki me ru ko to

Word origin

決心 (kesshin) combines 決 (ketsu, "decide") and 心 (shin, "heart or mind"), giving the sense of settling one's mind on a choice.

Usage tips

  • The English word resolution can mean a solution to a problem, but 決心 (kesshin) refers to a firm personal decision.

Other meanings

  • resolutionnoun

Opposites

  • 迷いmayoiindecisionnoun
  • ためらいtameraihesitationnoun

Related words

  • 決心するkesshinsurumake up one's mindverb

Word lists with this word