腹を決める

• Reading: はらをきめる
• Romaji: hara wo kimeru
• Kanji breakdown: 腹 (hara/fuku) — belly, abdomen; 決 (ki/ketsu) — decide, determine
• Pronunciation: /ha.ɾa.o.ki.me.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To resolve; to make up one's mind; to steel oneself for a difficult decision.

An idiomatic expression using 腹 (belly/gut) as the seat of determination. Group 2 (ichidan) conjugation via 決める. Implies a weighty, often irreversible decision made with full commitment. Similar to 腹をくくる.

Examples

1. 転職するかどうか、やっと腹を決めた。 I finally made up my mind about whether to change jobs.
2. 腹を決めて、社長に直接意見を述べた。 Having steeled myself, I told the president my opinion directly.
3. もう腹を決めるしかない状況だった。 It was a situation where I had no choice but to commit.

Usage Guide

Context: decision-making, business, personal resolve

Tone: resolute

Origin & History

In Japanese culture, the belly (腹) is considered the centre of will and resolve — as seen in expressions like 腹が据わる (to be resolute). Deciding in one's belly means committing fully.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal