decidersi

Decidersi is an Italian pronominal verb meaning to decide to do something or to make up one’s mind. It is commonly used with an infinitive introduced by a or, less often, by di. The expression conveys a resolution after hesitation, a commitment to take a specific action.

Etymology and sense: decidersi derives from decidere, which comes from Latin decidere “to cut off, determine.” The reflexive form emphasizes the subject’s internal choice or resolve. In everyday use, it often marks a turning point when a person moves from indecision to action.

Grammar and usage: Decidersi is a pronominal verb and forms with the auxiliary essere in compound tenses; the past participle agrees with the subject (e.g., mi sono deciso, mi sono decisa; ci siamo decisi, ci siamo decise). The standard preposition is a: decidersi a fare qualcosa (to decide to do something). Decidersi di fare qualcosa is also found, but less common in formal prose. Expressions like non riesco a decidermi or non riesco a decidere are used to note difficulty in making a choice.

Conjugation notes: in the present indicative the form is: mi decido, ti decidi, si decide, ci decidiamo, vi decidete, si decidono. The imperfect, future, and subjunctive follow the same reflexive pattern as other -ere verbs with appropriate reflexive pronouns. The verb commonly collocates with actions such as partire, cambiare lavoro, o accettare un’offerta.

Example: Mi sono deciso a partire domani. Non riesco a decidermi se accettare l’offerta. Decidersi captures the moment of turning from hesitation to commitment in Italian discourse.