決心

• Reading: けっしん
• Romaji: kesshin
• Kanji breakdown: 決 (ketsu) — decide, determine; 心 (shin) — heart, mind
• Pronunciation: /keʔ.ɕiɴ/

Meaning

Determination; resolution. A firm decision made after careful thought.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (決心する). Emphasises the emotional and psychological weight of making a decision — stronger than 決める (to decide). Often used for life-changing decisions: changing careers, moving abroad, ending a relationship. Similar to 決意 (ketsui) but slightly less formal.

Examples

1. 留学する決心がやっとついた。 I finally made up my mind to study abroad.
2. 彼は会社を辞める決心をした。 He made the decision to quit his job.
3. 何度も迷ったが転職する決心は変わらなかった。 I wavered many times, but my resolve to change careers didn't change.

Usage Guide

Context: personal decisions, life changes, emotional

Tone: determined

Origin & History

Compound of 決 (ketsu, to decide/determine) and 心 (shin, heart/mind). Together, 'deciding in one's heart' — a resolution that engages both intellect and emotion.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal