decide, burst

決 is composed of the radical 水 (water) and 夬 (decisive). 夬 depicts a hand holding a notched ring-shaped jade artifact, resembling a ring with a gap, thus extending to mean determination or resolution. Flowing water moves forward without returning, allowing no hesitation, so 決 carries the meaning of deciding or resolving. Additionally, a complete ring represents perfection, so a notched ring is seen as imperfect or broken, giving 夬 the meaning of rupture or collapse. Thus, 決 also refers to the breaching or breaking of a dike.