决定

• Pinyin: jué dìng
• Hanzi breakdown: 决 = 氵(water) + 夬 (decisive), meaning to decide or burst through; 定 = 宀 (roof) + 疋 (foot), meaning to settle or fix

Meaning

To decide; decision. The act of making a final choice or the result of that choice.

Functions as both a verb (to decide, to determine) and a noun (a decision). One of the most fundamental words for expressing choices and resolutions. Can be followed by a verb phrase or a noun. Common expressions: 做决定 (make a decision), 决定权 (decision-making power).

Examples

1. 我决定明年去中国留学。 I've decided to go study in China next year.
2. 这个决定对他的未来很重要。 This decision is very important for his future.
3. 你自己决定吧，我都可以。 You decide — I'm fine with anything.

Usage Guide

Context: choices, planning, everyday

Tone: purposeful

Do Say

• 你决定好了吗？(Have you made your decision?)
• 他做了一个很勇敢的决定。(He made a very brave decision.)

Don't Say

• 我决定了明天的天气。(You can't 决定 the weather — 决定 is for choices within your control. Say 我看了明天的天气预报.)

Origin & History

Compound of 决 (to decide, to break through) and 定 (to fix, to settle). Together: 'to break through and settle on' — making a final determination.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal