Translation and Meaning of: 裁く - sabaku

The Japanese word 裁く [さばく] is a verb that carries deep and specific meanings within the Japanese language and culture. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in unique expressions, understanding how and when to use 裁く can enrich your vocabulary. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, everyday use, and even cultural curiosities that make this word a linguistic gem. Here at Suki Nihongo, our detailed dictionary helps you unravel terms like this clearly and practically.

Meaning and use of 裁く

裁く [さばく] is a verb that means "to judge" or "to evaluate," often associated with legal, moral, or even everyday contexts. It can be used in both formal situations, such as in courts, and in personal discussions where someone needs to make a considered decision. For example, a judge who 裁く a case is applying the law, but friends may also 裁く a dispute between themselves.

The interesting thing is that 裁く is not limited to the legal aspect. In Japanese culture, it also appears in contexts where there is a subjective evaluation, such as in competitions or artistic critiques. This versatility makes the word useful in various situations, from serious conversations to lighter analyses.

Origin and components of kanji

The kanji 裁 is composed of the radical 衣 (clothes) combined with 戈 (spear), suggesting the idea of "cutting" or "separating" – something that makes sense when we think about judging, as it involves discerning between right and wrong. This etymology reinforces the sense of decision and evaluation present in the verb. It is worth noting that the reading さばく is the most common, but the same kanji can have other pronunciations depending on the context.

Interestingly, 裁く also appears in expressions like 裁きを受ける (to be judged), showing how it integrates into broader linguistic constructions. Its usage dates back to ancient texts, highlighting its historical importance in the Japanese language.

Tips to memorize and use 裁く

An effective way to remember 裁く is to associate it with situations where there is a clear "judgment." Think of scenes from Japanese legal dramas or even discussions where someone needs to mediate an issue. Repeating phrases like 彼は事件を裁いた (he judged the case) can help internalize the verb.

Additionally, paying attention to the kanji 裁 in other contexts, such as 裁判 (trial) or 裁断 (decision cut), can strengthen your understanding. The key is to observe how the word appears in different registers, from formal to colloquial, to master its use naturally.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 判定する (hantei suru) - Determine, judge; often used in decision-making or evaluation contexts.
• 判断する (handan suru) - To judge, to decide; emphasizes the process of reaching a conclusion.
• 裁定する (saitei suru) - Decide, arbitrate; refers to decisions made by an arbitrator or judge in a formal context.
• 裁決する (saiketsu suru) - Decide, decide a case; used in legal and formal contexts to refer to judicial decisions.
• 裁量する (sairyou suru) - Discretionary exercise; it refers to the freedom or margin of judgment that an authority has in making decisions.

裁く

Romaji: sabaku
Kana: さばく
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: judge

Meaning in English: to judge

Definition: A trial decides guilt or innocence.

Example Sentences - (裁く) sabaku

See below some example sentences:

彼を裁く必要がある。

Kare wo sabaku hitsuyou ga aru

It is necessary to judge it.

You need to judge it.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 裁く - Japanese verb that means "judge" or "sentence"
• 必要 - Japanese noun that means "necessity" or "essential"
• が - Subject particle in Japanese.
• ある - Japanese verb that means "to exist" or "there is"