決意

• Reading: けつい
• Romaji: ketsui
• Kanji breakdown: 決 (ketsu) — decide, determine; 意 (i) — intention, will, meaning
• Pronunciation: /ke.tsɯ.i/

Meaning

A firm decision; determination; resolution to do something.

A する verb expressing a strong, often life-changing decision or resolve. More formal and weighty than 決める (to decide). Emphasises the emotional conviction behind the decision. Common patterns: 決意する (to resolve), 決意を固める (to strengthen one's resolve), 決意表明 (declaration of determination).

Examples

1. 海外で働くことを決意して準備を始めた。 I made up my mind to work abroad and started preparing.
2. 彼女は困難に負けない決意を固めた。 She steeled her resolve not to be beaten by hardship.
3. 新しい挑戦への決意を日記に書いた。 I wrote my determination to take on a new challenge in my diary.

Usage Guide

Context: life decisions, speeches, writing

Tone: determined

Origin & History

Compound of 決 (decide, determine) + 意 (intention, will, meaning). Literally 'decided intention,' a formal expression of firm resolve.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal