决定 (jué dìng) is a verb meaning 'to decide' or 'to make a decision.' It combines two characters: 决 (jué), which conveys finality, resolution, or determination, and 定 (dìng), meaning 'to fix,' 'to settle,' or 'to establish.' Together, they express the act of reaching a firm, conclusive choice after consideration. The word implies intentionality and authority — it’s not just thinking about something, but actively committing to a course of action.

It’s commonly used in everyday contexts: choosing what to eat, planning travel, accepting job offers, or resolving personal matters. 决定 can be followed directly by a noun (e.g., 决定去北京), a verb phrase (e.g., 决定不去了), or a clause introduced by 了 or that (e.g., 决定他明天来). It often appears with modal verbs like 要, 想, or 会, but stands strongly on its own as a complete verb.