Inklingo

How to Say "to decide" in Spanish

English → Spanish

decidir

/deh-see-DEER//de.siˈðiɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'decidir' when you want to express the general act of making a choice between options, especially for personal decisions or simple choices.
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'.)

determinar

day-ter-mee-NAR/de.teɾ.miˈnaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'determinar' when the decision involves a more formal resolution, setting a plan, or when a decision is the outcome of a process or deliberation.
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).

General Choice vs. Formal Resolution

Learners often overuse 'decidir' for situations that require a more formal or definitive resolution. Remember that 'determinar' suggests a decision that sets a clear path forward or concludes a period of thought.

Related Translations

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