Japanese word

決断

Pronunciation

Romajiketsudan

Meaning

  • noundecision

Example

大きな決断には勇気が必要です。ō ki na ketsu dan ni wa yū ki ga hitsu yō de su

A major decision requires courage.

Illustration for 決断 (decision)

More examples

進学についての決断を、先生に相談しました。shin gaku ni tsu i te no ketsu dan o sen sei ni sō dan shi ma shi ta

I discussed my decision about further education with my teacher.

Core concept

A decision fixes a course of action after different possibilities have been considered.

Common phrases

  • 決断を下すketsu dan o kuda su

    make a decision

  • 決断を促すketsu dan o unaga su

    prompt a decision

  • 決断を急ぐketsu dan o iso gu

    hurry to make a decision

Similar words

決定kettei: The result of settling what action, plan, or policy will be followed.
判断handan: The process of forming a conclusion from facts and circumstances.
選択sentaku: The act of selecting one possibility instead of others.
決意ketsui: A settled intention to act in a particular way.

Definition in Japanese

いくつかの選択肢から一つを選び、どうするかを決めること。i ku tsu ka no sen taku shi ka ra hito tsu o era bi dō su ru ka o ki me ru ko to

Word origin

決断 (ketsudan) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 決 (ketsu, "decide") and 断 (dan, "cut off"), expressing a choice made by cutting off alternatives.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, 決断 (ketsudan) usually suggests a serious choice with lasting effects rather than a routine choice between everyday options.

Other meanings

  • determinationnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 決断力ketsudanryokudecisivenessnoun

Word lists with this word