判

• Pinyin: pàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 判 = 半 (half) + 刂(knife). Cutting in half to decide/distinguish.

Meaning

To judge; to sentence; to distinguish; to decide.

Legal meaning: 判刑 (sentence), 判决 (verdict), 宣判 (pronounce judgment). General meaning: 判断 (judge/determine), 裁判 (referee). Related: 批判 (criticize), 判别 (differentiate).

Examples

1. 法院判他三年有期徒刑，缓刑两年执行。 The court sentenced him to three years in prison, suspended for two years.
2. 这道题很难判，两个答案都有道理。 This question is hard to judge — both answers make sense.
3. 裁判判定这个进球有效，全场欢呼。 The referee ruled the goal valid, and the whole crowd cheered.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, sports, decision-making

Tone: authoritative

Do Say

• 法官怎么判的？(What was the judge's verdict?)
• 这个球判得不公平。(That call on the ball was unfair.)

Don't Say

• 在非正式语境中单独用判 (Usually combined: 判断, 审判, 裁判)

Origin & History

Originally showed splitting something in half (半) with a knife (刂), implying making a clear division or decision.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal