評判

• Reading: ひょうばん
• Romaji: hyouban
• Kanji breakdown: 評 (hyou) — evaluate, comment; 判 (ban/han) — judge
• Pronunciation: /çoː.baɴ/

Meaning

Reputation; fame; public opinion about someone or something.

A noun for the general opinion or reputation that someone or something has in society. Key expressions: 評判がいい (hyouban ga ii, to have a good reputation), 評判になる (hyouban ni naru, to become famous/talked about), 評判が悪い (hyouban ga warui, to have a bad reputation). Can also be used as a modifier: 評判の店 (hyouban no mise, a well-known shop). Commonly seen in restaurant and product reviews.

Examples

1. あの店はラーメンがおいしいと評判だ。 That restaurant has a reputation for delicious ramen.
2. 新しい先生はとても評判がいい。 The new teacher has a very good reputation.
3. この映画は海外でも評判になっている。 This movie has become well-known even overseas.

Usage Guide

Context: reviews, social standing, business

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 評 (hyou, evaluate/comment) and 判 (ban/han, judge). Literally 'evaluation and judgment' — the collective assessment by others.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal