Inklingo

How to Say "decided" in Spanish

English → Spanish

decidido

deh-see-DEE-dohde.θiˈði.ðo

Past ParticipleA2General
Use 'decidido' when referring to the outcome of a decision-making process, often as part of a compound verb like 'haber decidido' (to have decided) or as an adjective meaning 'determined'.
A close-up view of a large, clear wooden signpost pointing directly down a single, well-paved road, symbolizing that a choice has been finalized.

Examples

El equipo ha decidido jugar el partido mañana.

The team has decided to play the match tomorrow.

Todavía no hemos decidido dónde ir de vacaciones.

We still have not decided where to go on vacation.

Una vez decidido el plan, empezamos a trabajar.

Once the plan was decided, we started working.

La fecha para la boda fue decidida por mis padres.

The wedding date was decided by my parents.

The Perfect Tenses (Haber)

When used with the verb 'haber' (e.g., 'he,' 'has,' 'ha'), 'decidido' never changes its form. It always stays 'decidido', regardless of who is speaking or the object of the verb.

Passive Voice and Results (Ser/Estar)

When used with 'ser' (for passive voice) or 'estar' (for a resulting state), 'decidido' acts like an adjective and MUST change gender and number: 'La hora está decidida' (The time is decided).

Changing Gender with 'Haber'

Mistake: “Hemos decidida la cena.”

Correction: Hemos decidido la cena. (The participle only changes when used with 'ser' or 'estar', not 'haber'.)

pensó

Verb (Conjugated Form)B1General
Use 'pensó' (the preterite of 'pensar') when 'decided' implies a conclusion reached after thinking or considering, focusing on the mental process that led to the decision.

Examples

Ella pensó que era la mejor opción.

She decided it was the best option.

Decidido vs. Pensó

Learners often confuse 'decidido' with 'pensó' because both relate to making a choice. Remember that 'decidido' often refers to the completed action of deciding (like 'we have decided'), while 'pensó' emphasizes the thought process behind the decision (like 'he thought it was best').

Related Translations

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