ζ–­

JLPT N3

Decide, cut off

Readings

On’yomi: ダン (dan)
Kun’yomi: た(぀), ことわ(γ‚‹) (ta(tsu), kotowa(ru))
β€’ た(぀) – to cut off, to sever β€’ ことわ(γ‚‹) – to refuse, to decline

Vocabulary

ζ–­γ‚‹
ことわる
refuse
εˆ€ζ–­
はんだん
judgment
δΈ­ζ–­
けゅうだん
interruption
ζ–­η„Ά
γ γ‚“γœγ‚“
absolutely
ζ±Ίζ–­
け぀だん
decision

Example Sentences

η”³γ—ε‡Ίγ‚’ζ–­γ‚ŠγΎγ™γ€‚
もうしで γ‚’ γ“γ¨γ‚γ‚ŠγΎγ™γ€‚
I refuse the offer.
εˆ€ζ–­γ—γΎγ™γ€‚
はんだん します。
I judge.
δΌšθ­°γ‚’δΈ­ζ–­γ—γΎγ™γ€‚
γ‹γ„γŽ γ‚’ けゅうだん します。
I interrupt the meeting.
断焢良いです。
γ γ‚“γœγ‚“ γ‚ˆγ„ です。
It is absolutely better.
決断します。
け぀だん します。
I make a decision.

Cultural Note

βœ‚οΈ ζ–­ emphasizes the Japanese value of decisive action, clarity, and responsibility.
β€’ It appears in contexts of decision-making, refusal, and severing ties (ζ–­γ‚‹, ζ–­εΏ΅, δΈ­ζ–­).
β€’ The kanji reflects a cultural understanding of resoluteness, moral clarity, and the importance of clear boundaries.
β€’ It symbolizes the courage to make a choice or break from something, which is respected in personal, social, and professional life.