法官

• Pinyin: fǎ guān
• Hanzi breakdown: 法 = 氵(water) + 去 (to go), meaning law; 官 = 宀 (roof) + component below, meaning official

Meaning

Judge. A person who presides over court proceedings and makes legal decisions.

The standard term for a judge in the legal system. In China, judges work within the people's courts and are addressed as 法官 or more formally 审判长 (presiding judge). Used in everyday conversation when discussing legal matters, courtroom dramas, or news.

Examples

1. 法官宣布了最后的判决结果。 The judge announced the final verdict.
2. 她的理想是将来成为一名法官。 Her dream is to become a judge in the future.
3. 法官要求双方保持安静。 The judge asked both parties to remain quiet.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, professional

Tone: formal

Do Say

• 法官做出了公正的判决。(The judge made a fair ruling.)
• 当法官需要很高的法律水平。(Being a judge requires a very high level of legal expertise.)

Don't Say

• 用'法官'称呼律师 (Don't call a lawyer 法官 — 法官 is a judge who presides in court, while a lawyer is 律师)

Origin & History

Compound of 法 (law) and 官 (official). Literally 'law official,' a person who administers the law.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal