判断

• Pinyin: pàn duàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 判 = 半 (half) + 刂 (knife), to divide and assess; 断 = 斤 (axe) + 𢇍 (silk), to cut through — to conclude

Meaning

To judge; to determine; judgement. The act of forming an opinion or making a decision based on evidence.

Used both as a verb (判断情况 = assess the situation) and as a noun (做出判断 = make a judgement). Common in education, work, and analytical contexts. Often implies careful thinking before reaching a conclusion. Related to but different from 决定 (to decide) — 判断 focuses on assessment, while 决定 focuses on choice.

Examples

1. 你能判断一下这件事是谁的错吗？ Can you judge whose fault this is?
2. 医生根据检查结果做出了判断。 The doctor made a judgement based on the examination results.
3. 不要太快判断一个人。 Don't judge a person too quickly.

Usage Guide

Context: analysis, education, work

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 我们需要根据事实来判断。(We need to judge based on the facts.)
• 他的判断是正确的。(His judgement was correct.)

Don't Say

• 我判断去吃什么。(Don't use 判断 for simple everyday choices like what to eat — use 决定. 判断 implies careful analysis, not casual preference.)

Origin & History

判 = 半 (half) + 刂 (knife), to cut in half — to divide and assess; 断 = 斤 (axe) cutting 𢇍 (silk threads), to sever or conclude. Together: to cut through and reach a conclusion.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal