判

JLPT N3

Judge, decide

Readings

On’yomi: ハン (han)

Kun’yomi: わか(る) (waka(ru))

• わか(る) – to understand, to judge, to discern

Structure

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Detailed Explanation

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Mnemonic

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Etymology

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Visual Tip

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Vocabulary

判断

はんだん

judgment

判明

はんめい

clarify

裁判

さいばん

trial

批判

ひはん

criticism

判決

はんけつ

verdict

Example Sentences

判断します。

はんだんします。

I judge.

原因が判明します。

げんいんがはんめいします。

The cause becomes clear.

裁判があります。

さいばんがあります。

There is a trial.

批判します。

ひはんします。

I criticize.

判決が出ます。

はんけつがでます。

A verdict is given.

Cultural Note

⚖️ 判 highlights the Japanese focus on decision-making, clarity, and authority.
• It appears in legal, administrative, and daily life contexts (判断, 判決, 判子).
• Emphasizes discernment and correctness, reflecting a cultural value on order, procedure, and careful evaluation.
• The kanji also illustrates the metaphor of “cutting through” uncertainty to reach a decision, symbolizing rational judgment and clarity.