determinar
/day-ter-mee-NAR/
to decide
When you decide (determinar), you make a choice or resolution.
determinar(verb)
to decide
?make a choice or resolution
,to resolve
?make a firm commitment
to set
?establish a date or limit
📝 In Action
El equipo determinó empezar el proyecto la próxima semana.
B1The team decided to start the project next week.
Determinamos no rendirnos a pesar de los obstáculos.
B2We resolved not to give up despite the obstacles.
💡 Grammar Points
Using Determinar with Infinitives
When 'determinar' is followed by another action (verb), that action stays in its base form (the infinitive): 'Determinaron viajar juntos' (They decided to travel together).
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Tone
'Determinar' often sounds slightly more formal or definitive than 'decidir' (to decide). Use 'determinar' when the choice is important or official.
Use determinar when you determine or find out the facts about something.
determinar(verb)
to determine
?find out the facts or cause
,to ascertain
?figure out exactly
to calculate
?find a numerical value
📝 In Action
La policía no pudo determinar la identidad del sospechoso.
B2The police could not determine the suspect's identity.
Es crucial determinar la cantidad exacta de material necesario.
C1It is crucial to ascertain the exact amount of necessary material.
💡 Grammar Points
Question Words
When figuring things out, 'determinar' is often followed by a question word (like 'qué,' 'cuándo,' or 'cómo') to introduce the information you are trying to find.
Determinar can also mean to cause or be the factor that leads to a result.
determinar(verb)
to cause
?be the reason or factor for something
,to influence
?shape the outcome
to dictate
?control the result
📝 In Action
La geografía del país determina su clima y agricultura.
C1The country's geography determines (or dictates) its climate and agriculture.
La oferta y la demanda determinan el precio final.
C1Supply and demand determine the final price.
⭐ Usage Tips
Subject-Object Relationship
In this meaning, the subject (the thing doing the determining) is often an abstract concept (like attitude, policy, or demand) that directly controls the outcome (the object).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: determinar
Question 1 of 2
Which English translation best fits the sentence: 'La investigación determinó que el fuego fue accidental.'
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'determinar' and 'decidir'?
'Decidir' simply means 'to decide' and is used for everyday choices. 'Determinar' is often used for more formal, final, or complex decisions, or when the decision involves calculating or discovering a fact (like a scientific result or a cause).
Does 'determinar' require a special verb form (subjunctive) afterward?
Generally, no. When 'determinar' means 'to decide' or 'to ascertain,' it is usually followed by a simple infinitive ('determinó salir') or an indicative clause ('determinó que era tarde'). It does not typically trigger the subjunctive mood.