decide
deh-SEE-deh
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Ella decide qué película veremos esta noche.
A1She decides which movie we will watch tonight.
El comité decide el ganador mañana.
A2The committee decides the winner tomorrow.
¡Decide ya si vienes o te quedas!
A2Decide already if you're coming or staying!
💡 Grammar Points
Dual Function of 'Decide'
The form 'decide' is used in two ways: 1) To state a fact about what 'he/she/it' is doing (Él decide). 2) To give an informal command to 'you' (tú): '¡Decide!'
Regular -IR Verb
The verb 'decidir' is very easy because it follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -IR. You just change the ending without changing the stem of the word.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Tú and Usted
Mistake: "Using 'decide' when talking formally to someone (Usted) about what they are doing: 'Usted decides.'"
Correction: The correct formal form is also 'decide': 'Usted decide.' The form 'decides' is only for the informal 'tú'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Adding Emphasis
To sound more urgent when giving a command, add 'ya' (already) or 'pronto' (soon): '¡Decide pronto!'
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: decide
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'decide' as an informal command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'decide' always mean 'to make a choice'?
Yes, its core meaning is always about making a choice or coming to a final conclusion. In some technical contexts, it can mean 'to determine' or 'to settle' a matter, but the sense of making a final selection remains.
How do I know if 'decide' is 'he decides' or 'you (formal) decide'?
You usually figure it out based on the subject pronoun used, or the context. If the sentence starts with 'Usted,' it means 'you formal.' If it starts with 'Él' or 'Ella,' it means 'he/she.' If there is no subject (like in a fast command: '¡Decide!'), it is the informal command.