Word
決意
Meaning in Englishdecision, determination
Animated kanji stroke order
Sentence
Related sentences
Related sentences
There are no published items in this section yet.
Word context
What it means
決意 means a firm decision to pursue a course of action, reflecting a strong commitment and readiness to act.
Main meanings
- Firm determination to act or pursue a goal, even when facing obstacles.
- A formal declaration of intent or commitment to a chosen path, often in speeches or official statements.
- Inner resolve that sustains effort and resilience over time.
How to use it
Used as a noun in formal writing, public speeches, autobiographies, and motivational contexts; typical grammar includes 決意を固める and 決意を新たにする.
Variants and close terms
- 決心 (kesshin) — determination, resolve
- 覚悟 (kakugo) — readiness, prepared resolve
- 断固たる決意 (dankotaru ketsui) — steadfast, unwavering resolve
- 決断 (ketsudan) — a decision, the act of choosing
Composition
- 決: to decide, determine
- 意: mind, intention
- Together: a mind set to make a decision and act on it; the noun names the resolved stance.
Etymology
けつい is formed from the on'yomi readings of 決 (けつ) and 意 (い); as a Sino-Japanese compound, it conveys a clear sense of mental commitment behind a decision.
Origin
Introduced to Japanese through kanji borrowed from Chinese; the term has gained prominence in modern language to express personal and organizational resolve.
Word class
Noun (名詞)
Word
Related words by kanji and components
N1
無意味
muimi
nonsense, no meaning
N1
判決
hanketsu
judicial decision, judgment, sentence, decree
N1
否決
hiketsu
rejection, negation, voting down
N2
意義
igi
meaning, significance
N2
可決
kaketsu
approval, adoption (e.g., motion, bill), passage
N2
生意気
namaiki
impertinent, impudent
N2
生意気な
namaikina
impertinent, saucy, cheeky, impudent, audacious, cocky, pert, brash
N3
意外
igai
unexpected, surprising
N3
意思
ishi
intention, purpose, intent to act
Kanji