Inklingo

How to Say "to decide" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to decide” is “decidir” — use 'decidir' when you are making a personal choice or coming to a conclusion about something.

English → Spanish

decidir

deh-see-DEERde.siˈðiɾ

verbA2general
Use 'decidir' when you are making a personal choice or coming to a conclusion about something.
A small child stands at a fork in a road, pointing confidently down one of the paths, signifying a choice has been made.

Examples

Necesito decidir qué carrera universitaria voy a estudiar.

I need to decide what university degree I am going to study.

El árbitro decidió que fue falta y pitó el penalti.

The referee decided it was a foul and blew the whistle for the penalty.

¿Ya decidiste dónde quieres cenar esta noche?

Have you decided where you want to have dinner tonight yet?

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.

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'.)

acordar

ah-kor-DARa.koɾˈðaɾ

verbA2general
Use 'acordar' when two or more people reach a mutual agreement or make a joint decision.
Two people shaking hands firmly in front of a simple house.

Examples

Nosotros acordamos reunirnos el viernes.

We agreed to meet on Friday.

Acordaron el precio de la casa.

They agreed on the price of the house.

Los países aprobaron y acordron el tratado.

The countries approved and agreed to the treaty.

Stem Change Pattern

Acordar follows the same pattern as pensar and contar: the 'o' changes to 'ue' when the stress falls on that syllable. You'll see this in yo acuerdo, tú acuerdas, él argumenta, etc.

Preterite Irregularity

The preterite has an accent on the 'é': yo acordé, tú acordaste. This is different from regular -ar verbs! Remember: the 'é' gets the accent mark.

Reflexive Form

The reflexive form 'acordarse' means 'to remember.' You'll hear 'No me acuerdo' (I don't remember) very often in everyday Spanish.

Forgetting the Accent in Preterite

Mistake: “Writing 'yo acuerdo' for the past tense”

Correction: Use 'yo acordé' (with an accent) for past tense. The present tense is 'yo acuerdo' (no accent).

Confusing with 'recordar'

Mistake: “Using 'acordar' when you mean 'to remind' without the reflexive”

Correction: In most Spanish varieties, use 'acordar' (to agree/decide) and 'acordarse' or 'recordar' (to remember).

determinar

day-ter-mee-NARde.teɾ.miˈnaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'determinar' when a decision leads to a specific outcome or resolution, often in a more formal or planned context.
A child stands at a fork in a colorful forest path, firmly pointing down the right path with a confident expression, illustrating making a decision.

Examples

El equipo determinó empezar el proyecto la próxima semana.

The team decided to start the project next week.

Determinamos no rendirnos a pesar de los obstáculos.

We resolved not to give up despite the obstacles.

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).

definir

deh-fee-neerdefiˈniɾ

verbB1general
Use 'definir' when a decision or action conclusively settles the outcome of an event or situation.
A referee raising the hand of a boxer to signal the winner of a match.

Examples

Este gol va a definir el partido.

This goal is going to decide the game.

Ella hace pesas para definir sus brazos.

She lifts weights to tone her arms.

Debemos definir los límites de nuestra propiedad.

We must determine the boundaries of our property.

Resultative use

In sports, 'definir' refers to the action that finishes a play or determines who wins.

Determining vs. Defining

Mistake: “Tengo que definir si voy a la fiesta.”

Correction: Tengo que decidir si voy a la fiesta. While similar, 'definir' is used more for establishing boundaries or explaining, whereas 'decidir' is for personal choices.

resolver

reh-sol-VEHRre.solˈβeɾ

verbB2general
Use 'resolver' when someone makes a firm resolution or decides on a course of action, often implying overcoming a difficulty.
A person standing at a fork in a forest path, pointing confidently and decisively down one path, indicating they have made a firm choice.

Examples

Se resolvió a estudiar medicina, aunque fuera difícil.

She decided (resolved herself) to study medicine, even if it was difficult.

El juez resolvió que la propiedad debía venderse.

The judge determined that the property had to be sold.

Ellos resolvieron no hablar del tema nunca más.

They decided not to talk about the subject ever again.

Using the Reflexive Form

When 'resolver' means 'to decide' or 'to make up one's mind,' it often uses the reflexive form: resolverse (e.g., me resolví, te resolviste).

Following with 'a'

When you decide to do an action, you usually connect resolverse to the next verb using the preposition 'a': Se resolvió a viajar (He decided to travel).

Choosing between 'decidir' and 'acordar'

The most common confusion is between 'decidir' (personal choice) and 'acordar' (joint decision). Remember that 'decidir' is for when *you* make up your mind, while 'acordar' is for when *you and others* agree on something together.

Related Translations

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