決まり

きまり

settlement, conclusion, rule

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Understanding 決まり

The word 決まり (きまり) primarily means a rule, decision, or conclusion. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to refer to established rules, agreements, or decisions that have been made.

Usage in Context

  1. Rules and regulations: 決まり often refers to rules set by organizations, companies, or groups. For example, 会社の決まり (company rules).

  2. Decisions or conclusions: It can also mean a decision that has been finalized or a conclusion reached, such as in scheduling or problem-solving.

  3. Common expressions: 決まりをつける means "to settle" or "to come to a conclusion," often used when resolving issues or making final decisions.

Common Collocations

  • 決まりを守る: to follow the rules
  • 新しい決まり: new rules
  • 決まりがある: there is a rule
  • 決まりをつける: to settle or finalize something

Notes for Learners

Be careful not to confuse 決まり with 決定 (けってい), which also means decision but is more formal and often used in official contexts. 決まり is more versatile and can be used in everyday conversation. When using 決まり, the nuance often implies something established or agreed upon, not just any decision.

Example Sentences

かいしゃのあたらしいきまりをみんなにせつめいした。

I explained the company's new rules to everyone.

りょこうのにっていはまだきまりません。

The travel schedule hasn't been decided yet.

このもんだいのかいけつにははやくきまりをつけるひつようがある。

We need to quickly come to a conclusion to solve this problem.