Meaning
The kanji 判 (han) encompasses several key meanings related to judgment, decision, and distinction, alongside the more concrete sense of a stamp or seal. Fundamentally, 判 involves separating or clarifying elements to arrive at a conclusion. This act of distinguishing can be intellectual, such as making a choice or discerning the truth, or physical, like affixing a mark to authenticate a document.
Its etymology clearly shows this. The character combines two components: 半 (han), meaning 'half' or 'divide,' on the left, and 刀 (katana), meaning 'knife' or 'sword,' on the right. Picture a knife (刀) cutting something precisely in half (半). This vivid image conveys division, separation, and making a clear distinction. From such precise division, the concepts of judgment, clear decision-making, and distinguishing elements naturally emerge. Similarly, stamping a seal involves making a definitive mark, signifying a final decision or authentication.
The kanji 判 has 7 strokes and is a Jōyō kanji, typically learned in secondary school (often designated as Grade S). Its structure, featuring the radical 刀 (katana hen), highlights its link to actions of cutting, dividing, and decisive action. This connection reinforces its fundamental meanings of judgment and decision-making.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
On'yomi (Chinese-derived readings) are the primary way 判 is read in modern Japanese, particularly when it appears in compound words.
- ハン (Han)
This is the most common On'yomi reading for 判. You'll find it in numerous terms related to judgment, decision-making, and official seals.
- 判断 (handan) — judgment, decision. This refers to the act of making a decision or forming an opinion after careful consideration.
例：状況を判断する (jōkyō o handan suru) — to judge the situation
- 判決 (hanketsu) — verdict, judicial decision. This term specifically refers to a legal judgment or ruling made by a court.
例：裁判の判決 (saiban no hanketsu) — a court verdict
- 判子 (hanko) — personal seal, stamp. This is a common term for the personal seal used in Japan in place of signatures.
例：契約書に判子を押す (keiyakusho ni hanko o osu) — to press a stamp on a contract
- バン (Ban)
While less common than ハン, the バン reading appears in a few specific compounds, often historical or technical, especially when referring to size or format.
- 小判 (koban) — a small, oval gold coin of the Edo period. Here, 判 refers to its distinctive shape and size.
例：昔の小判を見る (mukashi no koban o miru) — to see an old koban coin
- 大判 (ōban) — large size, often referring to paper size or a large gold coin. This contrasts with 小判.
例：大判のポスター (ōban no posutā) — a large-sized poster
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Unlike many kanji, 判 does not have a common, independent Kun'yomi (native Japanese reading) when used by itself. Although the verb 判じる (hanjiru), meaning 'to judge' or 'to discern,' exists, it's typically formed by adding the verb suffix 〜じる to the On'yomi noun 判 (han). For this reason, it's generally seen as an On'yomi-based verb rather than a traditional Kun'yomi. When preparing for the JLPT N2, concentrate primarily on 判's On'yomi readings and their use in compound words.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 判 is fundamental for expressing concepts of judgment, decision, and verification across many situations.
Judgment and Decision-Making:
判断 (handan) — judgment, decision, determination. This is a fundamental term for the act of deciding or forming an opinion.
判定 (hantei) — judgment, decision, verdict (e.g., in sports). Often used when a third party makes a judgment, like a referee.
判決 (hanketsu) — verdict, judicial decision. Specifically refers to legal rulings.
判別 (hanbetsu) — distinction, discrimination, differentiation. The act of telling things apart.
判明 (hanmei) — becoming clear, proving to be, discovery. Often used in the form 〜が判明する (something becomes clear).
審判 (shinpan) — referee, umpire, judgment (in sports or legal contexts).
Seals and Authentication:
判子 (hanko) — personal seal, stamp. An essential item in Japanese daily life and business.
印判 (inban) — seal, stamp (a more formal term than hanko).
捺印 (natsu'in) — affixing a seal/stamp. The act of stamping a hanko.
Official Roles and Decipherment:
判事 (hanji) — a judge (the person).
判読 (handoku) — decipherment, reading (often of difficult or unclear text).
判官 or 判官 (hōgan/hangan) — a historical term for a judge or magistrate, famously associated with Minamoto no Yoshitsune.
Size and Format (with バン reading):
小判 (koban) — a small, oval gold coin (historical).
大判 (ōban) — large size (e.g., paper, coins).
四六判 (shirokuban) — a specific standard paper size (often used for books).
Example Sentences
この状況で正しい判断を下すのは難しい。
Kono jōkyō de tadashii handan o kudasu no wa muzukashii.
It is difficult to make the correct judgment in this situation.
裁判官は厳正な判決を言い渡した。
Saibankan wa gensei na hanketsu o iiwatashita.
The judge handed down a strict verdict.
日本では、重要な書類には判子が必要です。
Nihon de wa, jūyō na shorui ni wa hanko ga hitsuyō desu.
In Japan, a personal seal (hanko) is necessary for important documents.
スポーツの試合では、審判の判定が絶対です。
Supōtsu no shiai de wa, shinpan no hantei ga zettai desu.
In sports matches, the referee's judgment is absolute.
事故の原因が判明しました。
Jiko no gen'in ga hanmei shimashita.
The cause of the accident has become clear (was discovered).
この文字は古すぎて判読が難しいです。
Kono moji wa furu sugite handoku ga muzukashii desu.
This script is too old and difficult to decipher.
彼は何が正しいか判別することができなかった。
Kare wa nani ga tadashii ka hanbetsu suru koto ga dekinakatta.
He couldn't distinguish what was correct.
会社の契約書には社判が必要です。
Kaisha no keiyakusho ni wa shahan ga hitsuyō desu.
A company seal is required for company contracts.
Memory Tip
To remember 判, visualize its two components: 半 (half) and 刀 (knife/sword). Imagine using a sharp knife (刀) to precisely cut something in half (半). This act of precise cutting makes a clear distinction or forms a definite boundary. From this, 判 gains its meaning of 'to judge' or 'to decide' through clear separation. It also refers to a 'stamp' or 'seal,' which creates a definitive mark, finalizing a decision or agreement. Picture a judge making a decisive ruling, cutting through ambiguity with the precision of a knife, or a seal making a distinct mark to finalize an agreement.