22 Japanese ways to say “Let’s settle this”

Sometimes we all need to say “Let’s settle this” — whether it’s a friendly debate, a business decision, or just figuring things out with friends. Japanese offers some super cool ways to express this idea, from casual to formal, and even some very natural phrases you might hear from locals.

In this listicle, we’ll explore 22 ways to say “Let’s settle this” in Japanese. Each phrase comes with pronunciation guides and little explanations to help you use them confidently.

Whether you want to sound polite, casual, or just get straight to the point, there’s something here for you. Plus, knowing different ways to phrase this can make your conversations in Japanese richer and more nuanced.

Let’s dive in and discover these handy expressions that will help you navigate moments when it’s time to wrap things up or make a final decision.

Learning these phrases also opens a window into Japanese culture and how people express confrontation or resolution gently or firmly.

Ready? Let’s settle this list and add some new Japanese phrases to your toolkit!

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

These phrases are perfect for everyday situations with friends, family, or coworkers when you want to sound friendly and relaxed.

They’re easy to remember and use, making them great for beginners or anyone wanting to keep things light.

Use these to initiate a resolution or conclusion without sounding too serious or formal.

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

These casual expressions will help you sound natural and approachable.

Feel free to mix and match depending on the situation and your relationship with the listener.

1. ケリをつけよう (Keri o tsukeyou) – “Let’s settle this.”

This phrase means literally “Let’s attach the conclusion,” with ケリ (keri) meaning “settlement” or “conclusion,” and つけよう (tsukeyou) being the volitional form of “to attach” or “to put.”

It’s a straightforward way to say you want to resolve something now, often used in casual or slightly serious contexts.

Using the volitional form makes it a suggestion, like “Let’s do it.”

This phrase works great when you want to be clear but not aggressive.

You might hear it in friendly competitions or when deciding on a final answer among friends.

Try it out next time you want to wrap up a discussion decisively!

2. 決着をつけよう (Kecchaku o tsukeyou) – “Let’s settle this for good.”

Here, 決着 (kecchaku) means “settlement” or “conclusion” and is often used in more formal or serious situations.

It literally means “to put an end to something,” making this phrase good for situations where you want to finalize things definitively.

The ending つけよう (tsukeyou) keeps it polite but firm.

This phrase fits when you want to sound decisive but not rude.

It’s great in discussions where you want to avoid dragging things out.

Use it in a work or formal social setting when you’re ready to close the topic.

3. さあ、決めよう (Saa, kimeyou) – “Come on, let’s decide.”

さあ (saa) is an interjection like “come on” or “well then,” adding a friendly nudge to 決めよう (kimeyou), the volitional form of “to decide.”

This phrase invites the group to make a decision together in a casual, friendly way.

It works well for settling things like plans, choices, or even small disputes.

Use this when you want to be inclusive and upbeat.

It’s often heard in everyday conversations among friends and coworkers alike.

Try it when you want to encourage a group decision with warmth.

4. これで決めよう (Kore de kimeyou) – “Let’s decide with this.”

これで (kore de) means “with this” or “by this,” combined with 決めよう (kimeyou), “let’s decide.”

This phrase is great when you’re ready to settle on a particular option or proposal.

It’s casual but clear, useful in discussions or planning.

Say this when you want to finalize a choice everyone can agree on.

It’s often used in meetings or group chats.

Perfect for keeping things moving forward smoothly.

5. もう決めよう (Mou kimeyou) – “Let’s decide already.”

もう (mou) means “already” or “now,” adding a little urgency to 決めよう (kimeyou), “let’s decide.”

This phrase is casual and often used when you want to move things along faster.

It’s good for friendly situations where you want to encourage a decision without pressure.

Use it when conversations are dragging on and you want to wrap up.

Be mindful of tone to keep it warm and not impatient.

It’s a great phrase for nudging friends or colleagues gently.

6. 勝負しよう (Shoubu shiyou) – “Let’s settle this (with a match/challenge).”

勝負 (shoubu) means “match,” “contest,” or “game.” 勝負しよう (shoubu shiyou) literally means “let’s have a match” or “let’s settle it by competing.”

This phrase is perfect if you want to settle a dispute or decision with a fun challenge.

It’s casual and energetic, often used among friends or sports enthusiasts.

Use it to add a playful, competitive edge to settling something.

Great for games, debates, or friendly bets.

It’s a cool way to say “Let’s settle this” with some excitement.

7. ちゃんと決めよう (Chanto kimeyou) – “Let’s decide properly.”

ちゃんと (chanto) means “properly” or “correctly,” adding a sense of seriousness to 決めよう (kimeyou), “let’s decide.”

This phrase is casual but signals you want to make a good, thoughtful decision.

It’s useful when you want to balance casualness with responsibility.

Use it in group settings where you want everyone to take the decision seriously but not stress out.

It helps set a cooperative tone.

Try it when you want to settle something with care but still keep things friendly.

8. もう話をつけよう (Mou hanashi o tsukeyou) – “Let’s settle the matter now.”

話をつける (hanashi o tsukeru) means “to settle a matter” or “to make an arrangement.” もう (mou) adds “now” or “already.”

This phrase is casual but leans toward wanting to finalize something quickly and clearly.

It’s great for smoothing over misunderstandings or closing negotiations.

Use it when you want to end a disagreement and move forward.

It’s often used in daily life and business conversations alike.

Good for keeping relationships harmonious while settling things.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. 解決しましょう (Kaiketsu shimashou) – “Let’s resolve this.”

解決 (kaiketsu) means “resolution” or “solution.” しましょう (shimashou) is the polite volitional form meaning “let’s do.”

This phrase is very polite and appropriate for business or formal settings.

It’s great when you want to suggest settling an issue with professionalism and respect.

Use it in meetings or emails to propose resolving matters clearly.

Its tone is cooperative, positive, and solution-focused.

Perfect for keeping communication smooth and professional.

10. 決着をつけさせていただきます (Kecchaku o tsukesasete itadakimasu) – “I will take the liberty to settle this.”

This very formal phrase uses 決着 (kecchaku) “settlement” with the humble expression つけさせていただきます (tsukesasete itadakimasu), meaning “I will respectfully settle.”

It’s used when you want to politely announce that you will resolve something on behalf of others.

Common in formal business or official announcements.

This phrase shows humility and respect, important in Japanese culture.

Be mindful it’s quite formal and might sound stiff in casual conversations.

Use it when you want to sound seriously responsible.

11. こちらで結論を出しましょう (Kochira de ketsuron o dashimashou) – “Let’s draw a conclusion here.”

こちらで (kochira de) means “here” or “on this side,” 結論 (ketsuron) means “conclusion,” and 出しましょう (dashimashou) is “let’s put out” or “let’s draw.”

This phrase is polite and appropriate for business or formal discussions.

It’s a smooth way to suggest ending a discussion with a decision.

Useful in meetings or negotiations where you want to take initiative.

It sounds collaborative and respectful.

Try it to guide conversations toward productive conclusions.

12. これで終わりにしましょう (Kore de owari ni shimashou) – “Let’s end it with this.”

これで (kore de) means “with this,” and 終わりにしましょう (owari ni shimashou) means “let’s finish.”

This phrase politely suggests wrapping things up or concluding a topic.

It’s very handy in formal or semi-formal settings like business meetings.

Use it when you want to signal the end of a discussion or process gracefully.

It’s respectful and clear without sounding abrupt.

Good for keeping things professional and smooth.

13. 協議を終わらせましょう (Kyougi o owarasemashou) – “Let’s finish the discussion.”

協議 (kyougi) means “consultation” or “discussion,” and 終わらせましょう (owarasemashou) is “let’s finish.”

This polite phrase is ideal when concluding negotiations or consultations politely.

It’s a bit formal but not too stiff.

Useful when you want to end a talk respectfully but clearly.

Common in business or official contexts.

Use this to close discussions without tension.

14. 解決策を見つけましょう (Kaiketsusaku o mitsukemashou) – “Let’s find a solution.”

解決策 (kaiketsusaku) means “solution,” and 見つけましょう (mitsukemashou) means “let’s find.”

This phrase is polite and proactive, suggesting collaboration to solve a problem.

Use it when you want to focus on resolving issues together.

It’s excellent for teamwork and problem-solving settings.

It encourages positive action rather than confrontation.

Great for keeping discussions constructive and hopeful.

15. 早急に決めましょう (Soukyuu ni kimemashou) – “Let’s decide promptly.”

早急に (soukyuu ni) means “urgently” or “promptly,” and 決めましょう (kimemashou) means “let’s decide.”

This polite phrase emphasizes the need to settle something quickly.

It’s perfect for time-sensitive decisions in business or formal contexts.

Use it to express urgency politely without sounding pushy.

It’s a respectful way to motivate action.

Great for keeping projects or discussions on track.

16. 最終決定をしましょう (Saishuu kettei o shimashou) – “Let’s make the final decision.”

最終決定 (saishuu kettei) means “final decision,” and しましょう (shimashou) means “let’s do.”

This phrase is formal and clear, great for closing important matters.

Use it in official meetings or situations that require a strong, decisive tone.

It signals that there’s no more discussion expected afterward.

The tone is polite but definite.

Perfect for wrapping up big projects or agreements.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. ケリつけようぜ！ (Keri tsukeyou ze!) – “Let’s settle this!” (very casual, masculine)

This is a very casual and masculine way to say ケリをつけよう, with ぜ (ze) adding a strong, informal emphasis.

Used mostly among close male friends or in relaxed settings.

It’s energetic and can sound a bit rough, so use it carefully.

Great for sports, challenges, or heated debates among buddies.

It shows confidence and a “let’s do this” attitude.

If you want to sound like a local, this phrase is a fun choice.

18. それ、はっきりさせようぜ (Sore, hakkiri saseyou ze) – “Let’s make that clear.”

それ (sore) means “that,” はっきりさせよう (hakkiri saseyou) means “let’s make clear,” and ぜ (ze) adds casual emphasis.

This phrase is casual, direct, and perfect for native-like conversations.

It’s great when you want to settle misunderstandings or get clarity.

Use it among friends or peers in informal settings.

It’s friendly but assertive, showing you want honesty.

A good phrase to sound natural and straightforward.

19. もういい加減にしようぜ (Mou iikagen ni shiyou ze) – “Let’s just settle this already.”

もういい加減にしよう (mou iikagen ni shiyou) means “let’s stop messing around” or “settle this already,” with ぜ (ze) adding casual force.

This phrase is very casual and can sound a bit blunt, so use it only with close friends.

It expresses impatience but in a friendly way.

Perfect for playful arguments or situations dragging on too long.

It’s a native-like way to say “enough already.”

Use it carefully to keep things light and fun.

20. いい加減ケリつけろよ (Iikagen keri tsukero yo) – “Enough, settle it already!”

いい加減 (iikagen) means “enough” or “fairly,” ケリつけろ (keri tsukero) is an imperative “settle it,” and よ (yo) adds emphasis.

This phrase is quite casual and borderline rude, so only use among close friends or in playful banter.

It’s a forceful way to tell someone to settle something now.

Use it to express urgency and impatience humorously.

Not recommended for formal or sensitive situations.

Great for sounding like a native in casual speech.

21. どっちが勝つか決めようぜ (Docchi ga katsu ka kimeyou ze) – “Let’s decide who wins!”

どっちが (docchi ga) means “which one,” 勝つか (katsu ka) means “will win,” and 決めようぜ (kimeyou ze) means “let’s decide!”

This phrase is casual and playful, perfect for settling friendly competitions.

Use it with friends when you want to decide a winner or end a game.

It’s lively and fun, encouraging friendly rivalry.

Good for sports or game nights.

Helps keep the mood light and competitive in a positive way.

22. ケリつけてやろうぜ (Keri tsukete yarou ze) – “Let’s settle this (with a confident tone).”

ケリつけてやろう (keri tsukete yarou) means “let’s settle this,” with やろう (yarou) adding a confident, masculine tone, and ぜ (ze) emphasizing it.

This phrase is casual, assertive, and often used among close friends or teammates.

It shows readiness to take action and settle something decisively.

Use it when you want to sound confident and pumped up about resolving an issue.

Perfect for sports, debates, or challenges.

It’s a phrase that packs energy and a can-do spirit.

Concluding Thought

Learning different ways to say “Let’s settle this” in Japanese not only builds your language skills but also helps you understand the cultural nuances behind how people express resolution.

From casual to formal and playful to serious, these phrases give you tools to fit any situation with the right tone and respect.

So next time it’s time to settle something, you’ll know exactly what to say — and maybe even impress your Japanese friends with your fluency and natural expressions!