decidir
/deh-see-DEER/
to decide
When you decidir (decide), you make a choice between different options.
decidir(verb)
to decide
?to make a choice
,to determine
?to settle an outcome
to resolve
?to settle a question
📝 In Action
Necesito decidir qué carrera universitaria voy a estudiar.
A2I need to decide what university degree I am going to study.
El árbitro decidió que fue falta y pitó el penalti.
B1The referee decided it was a foul and blew the whistle for the penalty.
¿Ya decidiste dónde quieres cenar esta noche?
A2Have you decided where you want to have dinner tonight yet?
💡 Grammar Points
Decidir vs. Decidirse
When used without 'se' (decidir), it means 'to decide a thing.' When used with 'se' (decidirse), it usually means 'to make up one's mind' after a period of doubt.
❌ Common Pitfalls
The Preposition Trap
Mistake: "Voy a decidir de ir al cine."
Correction: Voy a decidir ir al cine. ('Decidir' usually takes a direct action, or the preposition 'a' when used with 'se'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Direct Decision
In Spanish, you can often follow 'decidir' directly with the action (the infinitive verb) without needing an extra preposition, like 'Decidimos viajar' (We decided to travel).
Use decidir when you finally make up your mind after a period of thought or hesitation.
decidir(verb)
to make up one's mind
?to finally choose
,to resolve to do something
?after deliberation
to bring oneself to do
?often used negatively
📝 In Action
Después de pensarlo mucho, me decidí a aceptar el trabajo.
B1After thinking about it a lot, I made up my mind to accept the job.
Ella no se decide a cortarse el pelo.
B2She can't bring herself to cut her hair (She hasn't decided to cut her hair yet).
Si no te decides pronto, perderemos la oportunidad.
B1If you don't make up your mind soon, we will lose the opportunity.
💡 Grammar Points
The Importance of 'A'
When using 'decidirse' (to make up your mind) followed by an action, you MUST use the preposition 'a' before the next verb: 'Decidí a estudiar' (I decided to study).
Reflexive Pronouns
Remember to match the 'se' part (me, te, se, nos, os, se) to the subject who is making the decision. 'Yo me decido,' 'Tú te decides,' etc.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the 'A'
Mistake: "Se decidió ir de vacaciones."
Correction: Se decidió a ir de vacaciones. (The 'a' is essential when 'decidirse' means 'to resolve' to do an action.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Implied Effort
Using 'decidirse' implies that the person had some difficulty or hesitation before finally choosing, unlike the simple 'decidir'.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: decidir
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'decidirse' (to make up one's mind)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'decidir' always regular?
Yes, 'decidir' is a regular -ir verb in all tenses, making it easy to conjugate. It follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ir.
What is the difference between 'decidir' and 'resolver'?
'Decidir' means to make a choice between options. 'Resolver' means to solve a problem or settle a complicated matter. They are often interchangeable when discussing settling an issue, but 'decidir' is more common for personal choices.