How to say "determination" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 決定けっていnoun, suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbHere 'determination' means the settling of something — a decision reached and fixed, as when a date or outcome is decided. It is not the word for inner resolve.
- 決断けつだんnoun, suru verb, transitive verbThe act of making a hard decision and committing to it — determination as decisiveness in a pressing situation. It points to the moment of choosing, not to lasting grit or a settled outcome.
- 決心けっしんnoun, suru verb, transitive verbDetermination as a resolve you form in your own mind — making up your mind to do something, such as give something up or start anew — and the resolve itself once formed.すぐ決心するようにしてください。↗Try to make up your mind soon.
- 決意けついnoun, suru verb, transitive verbA firm, weighty resolve — determination solemnly formed or declared, as when someone announces their intention anew. It sits close to 決心 but carries more gravity.
- 根性こんじょうnounDetermination in the sense of grit: sheer guts and stubborn willpower that keep someone going. It is not about making a decision, and it can carry a rough, stubborn flavor.
For 'determination' as a settled decision use 決定, as a hard choice made decisively 決断, as resolve to act 決心 or the weightier 決意, and as sheer grit 根性.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
- 決定けっていdecision
- 決断けつだんdecision
- 決心けっしんdetermination
- 決意けついdecision
- 根性こんじょうwillpower
- 不退転ふたいてんdetermination
- 心意気こころいきspirit
- 意志いしwill
- 踏ん切りふんぎりdetermination
- 不退ふたいdetermination
- 志気しきdetermination
- 性根しょうこんperseverance
- 量定りょうていassessment (of a sentence)
- こだわりobsession
- 覚悟かくごresolution
- 踏切ふみきりdetermination
- 思い切りおもいきりresolution
- 思いっきりおもいっきりresolution
- 構えかまえreadiness
See also
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