결정하다 (gyeol-jeong-ha-da, gyeoljeonghada) · 정하다 (jeong-ha-da, jeonghada)
결정하다 emphasizes choosing among options, while 정하다 focuses on establishing rules or standards.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
To choose or decide among multiple options
When to use
Choice situation, Decision making, Final confirmation
The nuance
Use 결정하다 when making a final choice among several alternatives; it focuses on the decision-making process.
To formally establish or set rules, standards, or schedules
When to use
Rule setting, Standard establishment, Setting time/place
The nuance
Use 정하다 when formally establishing or setting rules, standards, times, or places; it emphasizes setting rather than choosing.
회의 날짜를 결정했다.
hoe-ui nal-jja-reul gyeol-jeong-haess-da., hoe ui nal jja reul gyeol jeong haess da.
Because the speaker chose one date among many, 결정하다 is correct.
회의 날짜를 정했다.
hoe-ui nal-jja-reul jeong-haess-da., hoe ui nal jja reul jeong haess da.
정하다 also fits naturally as it means formally setting the meeting date.
규칙을 결정했다.
gyu-chik-eul gyeol-jeong-haess-da., gyu chik eul gyeol jeong haess da.
Rules are usually formally established, so 정하다 is natural; 결정하다 focuses on choice, so it's inappropriate here.
규칙을 정했다.
gyu-chik-eul jeong-haess-da., gyu chik eul jeong haess da.
정하다 suits the meaning of formally establishing rules.
목표를 결정했다.
mok-pyo-reul gyeol-jeong-haess-da., mok pyo reul gyeol jeong haess da.
Use 결정하다 when choosing or confirming one goal among many.
목표를 정했다.
mok-pyo-reul jeong-haess-da., mok pyo reul jeong haess da.
Since 목표 implies choice rather than setting, 결정하다 is more natural.
회의 장소를 결정했다.
hoe-ui jang-so-reul gyeol-jeong-haess-da., hoe ui jang so reul gyeol jeong haess da.
Because the speaker chose one place among many, 결정하다 is correct.
회의 장소를 정했다.
hoe-ui jang-so-reul jeong-haess-da., hoe ui jang so reul jeong haess da.
정하다 also fits naturally as it means formally setting the meeting place.
Which sentence requires '결정하다'?
Which sentence naturally uses '정하다'?
Fill the blank: '규칙을 ____'
