Translation and Meaning of: 決まる - kimaru

The Japanese word 決まる [きまる] is an essential verb for anyone learning the language, especially for situations involving decisions, agreements, or defined outcomes. If you have ever wondered how to say "to be decided" or "to be resolved" in Japanese, this is the right word. In this article, we will explore its meaning, everyday usage, and even some curiosities that help understand why it is so common in Japan.

In addition to being frequently used in everyday conversations, 決まる also appears in formal contexts, such as negotiations and competitions. Its kanji, 決, carries the idea of "decision" or "resolution," which makes it easier to associate with its main meaning. Let's dive into details about how this word works and how you can apply it correctly.

Meaning and usage of 決まる

The verb 決まる means basically "to be decided," "to be determined," or "to be established." It is used when something is clearly established, such as a date, a plan, or even the outcome of a dispute. For example, if a meeting time has been set, you can say that 時間が決まった (the time has been decided).

An interesting characteristic of this word is that it is often used in the ive form, indicating that the decision did not necessarily come from the speaker, but was made by someone else or by circumstances. This reflects a Japanese cultural aspect, where collective or external decisions often carry more weight than individual choices.

Origin and composition of kanji

The kanji 決 (ketsu) is composed of the water radical (氵) and the component 夬, which suggests the idea of breaking or separating. This combination conveys the notion of "cutting through indecision," as if the water flows along a defined path. This image helps to understand why the character is associated with resolutions and determinations.

It is worth noting that 決まる is the intransitive form of the verb, while 決める (きめる) is its transitive version, used when someone actively makes a decision. This difference is important to avoid confusion in sentence construction. Knowing how to distinguish between the two uses can greatly enhance your fluency in the language.

Common Usage Contexts

決まる appears in various situations, from informal conversations to news and official documents. In sports, for example, it's common to hear 勝負が決まった (the contest has been decided) when a winner is determined. In the workplace, phrases like 予算が決まった (the budget has been approved) are frequent.

Another interesting use is in relation to customs and traditions. In Japan, many events follow well-established rules, and the word 決まる can be used to describe these fixed patterns. For example, やり方が決まっている (the method is already defined) indicates that there is no flexibility in the way of doing something, something common in ceremonies and rituals.