Word
決意
Meaning in Englishdecision, determination
Animated kanji stroke order
Sentence
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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
N3
意志
ishi
will, volition, determination
N3
意識
ishiki
consciousness, awareness, perception
N3
意地悪
ijiwaru
mean, malicious, unkind
N3
解決
kaiketsu
solution, resolution, settlement
N3
決まり
kimari
rule, decision, agreement, custom
N3
敬意
keii
respect, honor, esteem
N3
決心
kesshin
determination, resolution, firm decision
N3
決定
kettei
decision, determination
N3
意
i
will, intention, meaning, thought
Kanji