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March 24, 2026
判断(判斷)pànduàn(pan4duan4)
判断 (pàn duàn) means to decide or determine something based on reasoning or evidence. It is commonly used in contexts where one needs to make a judgment or evaluation, such as assessing situations, opinions, or choices.
Frequency#2717DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, making a judgment often involves considering collective opinions and social harmony, reflecting the emphasis on group consensus in many aspects of life.
Memory Tip
Think of '判断' as a 'pan' (pàn) on a 'duan' (duàn) where you're cooking up decisions. The '判断' shows that you're mixing ingredients (facts) to make a well-cooked judgment.
Meanings of 判断
pànduàn(pan4duan4)
1to decide
2to determine
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About 判断
判断Simplified
判斷Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#2717Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 判断
Podcast: 判断
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AI Study Notes for 判断
Quick Contrast
判断 (pànduàn) vs 评估 (pínggū) — use 判断 when making a judgment based on reasoning, while 评估 emphasizes evaluating or assessing value or quality.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '判断' as a 'pan' (pàn) on a 'duan' (duàn) where you're cooking up decisions. The '判断' shows that you're mixing ingredients (facts) to make a well-cooked judgment.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 判断 with similar verbs like 认为 (rènwéi), which means to think or believe. 判断 is more formal and is often used in legal or academic contexts. Common collocations include '判断能力' (judgment ability) and '判断标准' (judgment criteria).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 判断 connects with other verbs of cognition and evaluation, such as 选择 (xuǎnzé – to choose) and 期待 (qīdài – to expect). Focus on using it in complex sentences to express nuanced decision-making.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, making a judgment often involves considering collective opinions and social harmony, reflecting the emphasis on group consensus in many aspects of life.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 判断 with 评估 (pínggū), which means to assess. For example, saying '我评估这个问题' instead of '我判断这个问题' can lead to misunderstandings of intent.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 判断
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Grammar Patterns of 判断
判断 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
It would be presumptuous to judge what the outcome will be.
9
很难判断是谁给了致命的一击。
hěn nán pàn duàn shì shuí gěi le zhì mìng de yī jī。
It is impossible to say who struck the fatal blow.
10
杰克养大了两个了不起的孩子,我相信他的判断。
jié kè yǎng dà le liǎng gè le bù qǐ de hái zǐ, , wǒ xiāng xìn tā de pàn。
Jake has raised two smashing kids and I trust his judgement.
Cultural Notes for 判断
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, making a judgment often involves considering collective opinions and social harmony, reflecting the emphasis on group consensus in many aspects of life.
Frequently Asked Questions about 判断
判断 focuses on making a decision based on evidence, while 认为 is more about personal belief or opinion.
Yes, but it's often more suitable for formal contexts or discussions requiring careful reasoning.
Common phrases include '做出判断' (to make a judgment) and '准确判断' (accurate judgment).