Translation and Meaning of: 判 - ban

The word 「判」 has a quite versatile meaning in the Japanese language, being frequently used in the context of decisions or judgments. The kanji 「判」 can be read as "はん" (han) or "ばん" (ban), depending on the context of the sentence. It is commonly associated with decisions, distinctions, or judgments, referring to an idea of evaluation or determination. In etymology, this kanji is composed of the radicals 「半」, which means "half," and 「刀」, which denotes "knife" or "cutting instrument," suggesting the idea of dividing or deciding.

Originating from Chinese roots, the kanji 「判」 carries the meaning of discernment or resolution, something that is reflected in its everyday uses. For example, in the system of tampouco, it is an expression that refers to official decisions made by government bodies, courts, and other institutions. In the Japanese language, it is an essential part of compound words such as 「判断」 (handan) which means "judgment" or "decision," and 「判定」 (hantei), which refers to "determination" or "evaluation."

In addition to its formal use, 「判」 also appears in more informal and practical contexts, such as in 「判子」 (hanko), which refers to the personal seal used on documents instead of a handwritten signature in various East Asian countries. This form of seal is an example of how traditional Japanese culture continues to influence modern practices. The use of 「判」 in these contexts highlights its flexibility and the importance of an authoritative decision, whether in a legal context or in the simple act of authenticating a document.

Interestingly, the interpretation of 「判」 as "ban" can still refer to societies or institutions, where it pertains to formal agreements or dealings. In the field of social and human sciences, it is used in combination with other characters to describe phenomena that go beyond literal judgments, addressing aspects of social critique and cultural analysis. This multi-purpose nature of the kanji 「判」 shows how deeply it is ingrained in the Japanese language, offering a range of meanings that can vary from fundamental decisions to daily administrative tasks.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 判定 (hantei) - Evaluation, determination of a decision or judgment.
• 判決 (hanketsu) - Judicial decision, usually in a court, which tends to be more formal.
• 判明 (hanmei) - Clarification, revelation of a fact or situation after investigation.
• 判定する (hantei suru) - Evaluate, determine something through analysis.
• 判決する (hanketsu suru) - Make a judicial or formal decision on a case.
• 判明する (hanmei suru) - To reveal oneself, to clarify oneself, or to have a situation or fact confirmed.

判

Romaji: ban
Kana: ばん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: size (paper or books)

Meaning in English: size (of paper or books)

Definition: To make a legal decision in a judicial process, etc.

Example Sentences - (判) ban

See below some example sentences:

この判決は公正であると信じています。

Kono hanketsu wa kōsei de aru to shinjiteimasu

I believe this decision is fair.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 判決 - Noun that means "verdict" or "sentence"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 公正 - adjective meaning "fair" or "impartial"
• である - verb to be in its formal form
• と - particle that indicates direct quotation
• 信じています - verb that means "believe" or "trust" in a polite and present form

公正な判断をすることが重要です。

Kousei na handan wo suru koto ga juuyou desu

It is important to do fair judgments.

It is important to make a fair decision.

• 公正な - adjective meaning "fair" or "impartial"
• 判断 - noun meaning "judgment" or "decision"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• する - verb meaning "to do" or "to accomplish"
• こと - noun indicating an abstract action or event
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 重要 - Adjective meaning "important"
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or formal form of the sentence
• . - punctuation mark that indicates the end of the sentence

判断力が大切です。

Handanryoku ga taisetsu desu

Judgment is important.

• 判断力 (handanryoku) - judgment skills
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
• です (desu) - Verb "to be" in polite form

判事は法律を正確に適用する責任がある。

Hanjoshi wa hōritsu o seikaku ni tekiyō suru sekinin ga aru

The judge is responsible for applying the law accurately.

• 判事 - judge
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 法律 - law
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 正確に - Precisely
• 適用する - Apply
• 責任 - responsibility
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ある - exist

合理的な判断をすることが大切です。

Gōriteki na handan o suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to do rational judgments.

It is important to do a reasonable judgment.

• 合理的な - adjective meaning "rational" or "reasonable"
• 判断 - noun meaning "judgment" or "decision"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• する - verb meaning "to do" or "to accomplish"
• こと - noun that indicates an action or event
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 大切 - Adjective meaning "important" or "valuable".
• です - Auxiliary verb that indicates the polite form of speech

審判は公正であるべきだ。

Shinpan wa kousei de aru beki da

The referee must be fair.

• 審判 - referee/judge
• は - Topic particle
• 公正 - justice/impartiality
• で - mode particle
• ある - verb "to be/estar" in the present tense
• べき - suffix that indicates obligation/ necessity
• だ - verb "to be" in the present (casual form)

私の判子は赤いです。

Watashi no hanko wa akai desu

My stamp is red.

My foundation is red.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - Japanese particle indicating possession, equivalent to "my"
• 判子 - Japanese word that means "stamp"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "about"
• 赤い - Japanese adjective that means "red"
• です - verb of ser/estar in Japanese, equivalent to "é/está"

賢明な判断をすることが大切です。

Kenmei na handan wo suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to make wise decisions.

It is important to make a wise judgment.

• 賢明な - wise, prudent
• 判断をする - make decisions, judge
• ことが - is important
• 大切です - It's crucial, it's essential