Inklingo

How to Say "to determine" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to determine” is “decidir” — use 'decidir' when you are making a choice or settling on a course of action, similar to 'to decide' or 'to choose'.

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decidir

deh-see-DEERde.siˈðiɾ

verbA2general
Use 'decidir' when you are making a choice or settling on a course of action, similar to 'to decide' or 'to choose'.
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-NARde.teɾ.miˈnaɾ

verbB2formal
Use 'determinar' when the focus is on finding out facts, establishing the cause of something, or identifying something precisely.
A friendly cartoon detective character holds a large magnifying glass, closely examining a single, clear footprint in the dirt to find facts.

Examples

La policía no pudo determinar la identidad del sospechoso.

The police could not determine the suspect's identity.

Es crucial determinar la cantidad exacta de material necesario.

It is crucial to ascertain the exact amount of necessary material.

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.

establecer

es-ta-ble-SÉRest̪aβleˈseɾ

verbB1general
Use 'establecer' when you need to set or fix something, such as a price, a value, or a fundamental cause.
A small, antique balance scale perfectly leveled with equal weights, indicating that the value or price has been determined.

Examples

Necesitamos establecer la causa exacta del problema.

We need to determine the exact cause of the problem.

El comité estableció el precio máximo para las entradas.

The committee fixed the maximum price for the tickets.

definir

deh-fee-neerdefiˈniɾ

verbB1general
Use 'definir' when something's outcome is fixed or decided by a specific event or action, like a goal determining the result of a game.
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 referring to making a firm decision or resolving to do something, often implying overcoming 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).

Decidir vs. Determinar

The most common confusion is between 'decidir' and 'determinar'. Remember that 'decidir' is about making a choice or settling on an action, while 'determinar' is about discovering facts or causes. Don't use 'determinar' when you simply mean 'to decide' to do something.

Related Translations

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