決断

• Reading: けつだん
• Romaji: ketsudan
• Kanji breakdown: 決 (ketsu) — decide, determine; 断 (dan) — sever, cut off, refuse
• Pronunciation: /ke.tsɯ.daɴ/

Meaning

Decision; determination. A firm, resolute choice made after careful thought.

A する verb (transitive) emphasising the gravity and finality of a decision. Unlike 決定 (which focuses on the outcome being settled), 決断 highlights the mental resolve and courage required to decide. Often used for life-changing or high-stakes situations. Common phrases: 決断を下す (to make a decision), 決断力 (decisiveness).

Examples

1. 社長は会社の将来について重大な決断を下した。 The president made a crucial decision about the company's future.
2. 留学するかどうか、なかなか決断できなかった。 I couldn't bring myself to decide whether or not to study abroad.
3. 彼女は迷わずに決断する力を持っている。 She has the ability to make decisions without hesitation.

Usage Guide

Context: business, life decisions, leadership

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Compound of 決 (decide, determine) + 断 (sever, cut off). The imagery is of cutting off alternatives to commit to one path.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal