決 然(けつぜん)

けつぜん

na-adjective

resolute; determined

formalwrittenliteraryemotion

1. resolute; determined; decisive

Having or showing a firm determination to do something, without hesitation or wavering. Often used to describe someone's attitude or demeanor when making a difficult decision.

決然(けつぜん)とした表情(ひょうじょう)で立(た)ち上(あ)がった。

He stood up with a determined expression.

彼女(かのじょ)は決然(けつぜん)と辞表(じひょう)を提出(ていしゅつ)した。

She resolutely submitted her resignation.

決然(けつぜん)たる意志(いし)で困難(こんなん)に立(た)ち向(む)かった。

She faced the difficulties with firm resolve.

A たる/と adjective-adverb. Used in three main patterns: 決然(けつぜん)と + verb (resolutely ~), 決然(けつぜん)とした + noun (resolute ~), and the literary 決然(けつぜん)たる + noun (resolute ~). Carries a literary, somewhat elevated tone.

Common patterns

決然(けつぜん)とした態度(たいど): a resolute attitude
決然(けつぜん)と立(た)ち上(あ)がる: to stand up resolutely
決然(けつぜん)たる意志(いし): firm will

Similar words

毅然(きぜん): firm, resolute — more about moral strength and composure under pressure
断固(だんこ): firm, decisive — stronger emphasis on being unyielding; often used with 反対(はんたい) or 拒否(きょひ)
果敢(かかん): bold, daring — adds a nuance of bravery in the face of danger

Related Words

Compare: 毅然(きぜん) (firm, resolute)

Compare: 断固(だんこ) (firm, decisive)

Compare: 果敢(かかん) (bold, daring)

general

Added 2026.4.2 1:17 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02

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