Inklingo

How to Say "to determine" in Spanish

English → Spanish

decidir

/deh-see-DEER//de.siˈðiɾ/

verbA2
Use 'decidir' when you need to make a choice or settle on a course of action, much like 'to decide' in English.
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/

verbB2
Use 'determinar' when the focus is on discovering or ascertaining facts, causes, or identities, similar to 'to ascertain' or 'to figure out'.
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-SÉR//est̪aβleˈseɾ/

verbB1
Use 'establecer' when you are setting or fixing something, such as a price, value, or the exact cause of a problem.
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.

Decidir vs. Determinar

Learners often confuse 'decidir' and 'determinar'. Remember that 'decidir' is about making a choice or settling an outcome, while 'determinar' is about discovering facts or information. Don't use 'decidir' when you mean to find something out.

Related Translations

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