The simple present tense of decidir is used to express actions or states that are happening now or that occur habitually. For example, Yo decido estudiar español. (I decide to study Spanish.)

Decidir is a regular -ir verb, which means its conjugations follow the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ir in the present tense.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Decidir (to decide) in the Present Tense tense (Latin American Spanish):

Decidir generally means to decide or make up one’s mind, but has several different meanings in the Present Tense, some of which might surprise you.

To decide: This is the most common meaning, referring to making a choice or determination. For example, Yo decido ir al cine esta noche. (I decide to go to the movies tonight.)

To resolve: It can also mean to resolve or settle something. For example, Decidimos terminar la relación. (We decide to end the relationship.)

To determine: Decidir can mean to determine or establish something. For example, El juez decide la sentencia. (The judge decides the sentence.)

To convince (colloquial): In some informal contexts, it can mean to convince or persuade someone. For example, Te decido a venir con nosotros. (I convince you to come with us.)

To dare (rude): In a rude or confrontational sense, it can mean to dare or challenge someone. For example, ¿Te decides a pelear conmigo? (Do you dare to fight me?)

Examples

Examples of Decidir in the Present Tense

Cada mañana decido qué ropa ponerme para el día. (Every morning I decide what clothes to wear for the day.)

Mis amigos y yo decidimos ir al cine esta noche. (My friends and I decide to go to the movies tonight.)

En la reunión, el equipo decide los próximos pasos a seguir. (In the meeting, the team decides on the next steps to take.)

Cuando viajo, siempre decido qué atracciones turísticas visitar. (When I travel, I always decide which tourist attractions to visit.)

Mis padres deciden dónde pasar las vacaciones familiares. (My parents decide where to spend the family vacation.)

En el restaurante, decides qué plato pedir del menú. (At the restaurant, you decide which dish to order from the menu.)

Después de analizar las opciones, el jefe decide contratar al nuevo empleado. (After analyzing the options, the boss decides to hire the new employee.)

Antes de una cita importante, deciden qué van a decir. (Before an important date, they decide what they’re going to say.)

En la clase de cocina, los estudiantes deciden qué receta preparar. (In the cooking class, the students decide which recipe to prepare.)

Cuando hay un debate, cada persona decide qué posición tomar. (When there’s a debate, each person decides which position to take.)

Para mantenerse en forma, decido hacer ejercicio regularmente. (To stay in shape, I decide to exercise regularly.)

Mis compañeros de trabajo y yo decidimos organizar una fiesta de oficina. (My coworkers and I decide to organize an office party.)

Antes de viajar, deciden qué lugares visitar en su destino. (Before traveling, they decide which places to visit at their destination.)

En la reunión familiar, todos deciden a dónde ir de vacaciones juntos. (At the family meeting, everyone decides where to go on vacation together.)

Después de ver las noticias, la gente decide cómo reaccionar ante los eventos actuales. (After watching the news, people decide how to react to current events.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Decidir (to decide) in the Present Tense tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Latin American Spanish. For Castilian Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Present tense is also known as the Simple Present, Present Simple, Present Tense, or Present Indicative in English, and as Presente de Indicativo, Presente Simple, Tiempo Presente, or Indicativo Presente in Spanish.