formal
common
Usage
Native speakers often use 判決 (hanketsu) in legal contexts, such as court proceedings or discussions about legal outcomes. For instance, a lawyer might refer to a 判決 when discussing a recent case verdict or a news report covering a high-profile trial will likely include this term to describe the judge's ruling.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is '裁判' (saiban), which means 'trial.' However, 判決 (hanketsu) specifically refers to the judgment or verdict issued by a judge, while 裁判 emphasizes the process of legal proceedings. You would choose 判決 when discussing the conclusion of a case rather than the trial itself.
Culture
The term 判決 is derived from two kanji characters: 判 (han), meaning 'to judge,' and 決 (ketsu), meaning 'to decide.' This word reflects Japan's deep-rooted legal traditions and the importance placed on judicial decisions in maintaining societal order. Interestingly, the concept of 'judgment' in Japan is often intertwined with the cultural notion of harmony (和, wa), as legal outcomes aim to restore balance within the community.
FAQ
Q.What does 判決 mean in English?
判決 (hanketsu) translates to 'judgment' in English, primarily used in legal contexts to refer to the decision made by a judge in a court case.
Q.How is 判決 used in a sentence?
You can use 判決 in a sentence like: '彼は判決を待っています' (Kare wa hanketsu o matteimasu), which means 'He is waiting for the judgment.'
Q.What are common mistakes when using 判決?
A common mistake is confusing 判決 with 裁判 (saiban); while both relate to the legal field, 判決 refers specifically to the verdict, whereas 裁判 refers to the trial process.