定まる

• Reading: さだまる
• Romaji: sadamaru
• Kanji breakdown: 定 (tei/sada) — fix, determine, settle
• Pronunciation: /sa.da.ma.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To become settled; to be fixed; to be determined. Describes a state where something uncertain becomes established.

A Group 1 (godan) intransitive verb, the passive counterpart of 定める (to determine). Used when plans, rules, directions, or situations naturally reach a settled state. Common in formal writing and news contexts to describe outcomes being decided.

Examples

1. 方針がなかなか定まらない。 The policy just isn't settling into place.
2. 新しいルールがようやく定まった。 The new rules have finally been established.
3. 将来の目標が定まると、毎日が充実する。 Once your goals for the future are set, every day feels more fulfilling.

Usage Guide

Context: business, planning, formal writing

Tone: objective

Origin & History

From the kanji 定 (fix, determine), combining the roof radical 宀 (house) with 正 (correct), suggesting establishing something correctly under a roof — a settled, stable state.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal