覚悟を決める

You use this phrase when the stakes are high. It usually follows a period of worrying or overthinking. You can use it for big life changes. You can also use it for smaller, scary things. It often appears as [Action] 覚悟を決める. For example, 結婚する覚悟を決める (deciding to get married). It sounds very determined and serious. Use it when you want to show you aren't backing down anymore.

Use it when you are about to do something brave. Maybe you are finally going to tell your boss you're quitting. Or perhaps you are going to confess your feelings to a crush. It is great for health situations too. Like finally deciding to undergo a surgery you were afraid of. You can even use it when facing a mountain of laundry. It adds a bit of heroic flair to your chores!

Avoid using this for trivial, easy choices. If you are choosing between vanilla or chocolate ice cream, don't use it. It will make you sound like the ice cream choice is a life-or-death struggle. People might laugh or think you are being way too dramatic. Also, don't use it for things that are purely positive. If you won the lottery, you don't need 覚悟. You just need a bank account!

This phrase has deep roots in the concept of the Samurai spirit. In old Japan, 覚悟 (kakugo) was often associated with being prepared for death. It comes from Buddhist terms meaning 'awakening to the truth.' Today, it isn't that morbid. However, that 'do or die' weight still lingers in the words. It reflects the Japanese value of mental fortitude and taking responsibility for one's path.

You will often hear 覚悟はいいか？ which means 'Are you ready for this?' in a tough way. Another common one is 覚悟ができる. This means the feeling of readiness has naturally arrived. While 決める is an active choice you make, できる is more about the state of being prepared. Both show that you have found your inner strength.