What is the difference between kimeru and kimaru?

The Basics: What Do “Kimeru” and “Kimaru” Mean?

“Kimeru” (決める): To Decide or To Choose

Kimeru is a transitive verb, which means it requires a direct object. You use “kimeru” when someone (usually the speaker or another person) actively decides or chooses something. It emphasizes the action of making a decision.

• Japanese: 予定を決める (yotei o kimeru)
• Translation: To decide on a schedule

• Japanese: 進路を決める (shinro o kimeru)
• Translation: To choose a career path

“Kimaru” (決まる): To Be Decided or To Be Settled

Kimaru is an intransitive verb, which means it does not take a direct object. “Kimaru” is used when something is decided or settled, often without specifying who made the decision. It focuses on the state of the decision rather than the person taking action.

• Japanese: 試合の日が決まる (shiai no hi ga kimaru)
• Translation: The date of the match is decided

• Japanese: ルールが決まる (ruuru ga kimaru)
• Translation: The rules are set

Transitive vs. Intransitive Verbs in Japanese

Understanding the concept of transitive and intransitive verbs is key to mastering “kimeru” and “kimaru.” In Japanese, many verbs come in pairs like these, with one indicating an active action by someone (transitive) and the other describing a state or result (intransitive).

• Kimeru (決める): Someone decides something (requires a direct object)
• Kimaru (決まる): Something is decided (no direct object needed)

More Examples

Kimeru (決める):

• 彼は次の会議の時間を決めました。
  He decided the time for the next meeting.
• 私は今日の夕食を決める。
  I will decide today’s dinner.

Kimaru (決まる):

• 会議の時間が決まりました。
  The meeting time has been decided.
• 夕食が決まった。
  Dinner has been decided.

Tips for Remembering the Difference

• If someone is actively making a decision or choosing, use kimeru.
• If something is being decided or settled passively, use kimaru.
• Look for the particle “を” (wo) for kimeru (object marker) and “が” (ga) for kimaru (subject marker).

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many Japanese learners mistakenly use these verbs interchangeably. Remember:

• Don’t say 会議の時間を決まる. It should be 会議の時間が決まる (The meeting time is decided).
• Don’t say 私が夕食が決める. It should be 私が夕食を決める (I decide dinner).

Pay attention to the sentence structure and particle usage to avoid these common errors.

Practice Makes Perfect

To master the difference between “kimeru” and “kimaru,” try creating your own example sentences and practice them in conversation. Using language learning tools like Talkpal can help reinforce your understanding through interactive exercises and AI-powered feedback.

Conclusion

Learning to distinguish between “kimeru” and “kimaru” is an important step in your Japanese language journey. By remembering the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs, and paying attention to sentence structure, you’ll express yourself more naturally and accurately. For more in-depth articles and language learning resources, visit Talkpal’s AI language learning blog and continue building your Japanese fluency with confidence.