決める vs 決定する
Japanese word comparison
Listen to 決める
Listen to 決定する
| 決める | 決定する |
|---|---|
ki-ME-ru verb (transitive) | けっていする verb (transitive) |
| to decide; to choose; to determine | to decide; to make a decision (formal, often official) |
How they differ
決定する is more formal and impersonal than 決める; it is commonly used for official, institutional, or announced decisions rather than everyday personal choices.
When to use each
When to use 決める: Prefer 決める when talking about everyday, personal decisions or when emphasizing who made the choice.
When to use 決定する: Prefer 決定する when describing formal, official, or organizational decisions, especially in written announcements or minutes.
Side-by-side examples
- 私たちは会議で日程を決めた。
(We decided the schedule at the meeting.) - 取締役会が会議の日程を決定した。
(The board of directors finalized the meeting schedule.)
Register & nuance: 決定する is more formal and often used in written or official contexts, whereas 決める is more casual and common in spoken language.