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March 24, 2026
判pàn(pan4)
The character 判 (pàn) primarily means 'to judge' or 'to sentence,' commonly used in legal and decision-making contexts. It conveys the act of discerning differences or making discriminative conclusions about situations, individuals, or objects.
Strokes7Radical刂Frequency#2358DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of judgment often ties into the broader themes of social harmony and the importance of rightful decision-making. The legal system has deep historical roots, and the character 判 reflects the serious nature of judicial processes.
Memory Tip
Imagine a judge sitting at a bench, holding a gavel, ready to make a decision (判) about a case. The left side of the character, '刀' (knife), symbolizes the decisive nature of judgment, while the right side '判' can be visualized as a person weighing options, representing discernment.
Meanings of 判
pàn(pan4)
1to judge
2to sentence
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 判
判Simplified
7Strokes
刂Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#2358Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 判
Podcast: 判
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AI Study Notes for 判
Quick Contrast
判 (pàn) vs 评 (píng): Use 判 when referring to a judicial or formal judgment, while 评 is more about evaluation or commentary.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a judge sitting at a bench, holding a gavel, ready to make a decision (判) about a case. The left side of the character, '刀' (knife), symbolizes the decisive nature of judgment, while the right side '判' can be visualized as a person weighing options, representing discernment.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 判 with similar characters, such as 评 (píng, to evaluate) or 判断 (pànduàn, to judge as a conclusion). It is generally used in formal contexts, especially in legal discussions, so learners should be cautious about using it in casual conversations.
HSK Study Tips
While 判 is not included in the official HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to the HSK Level 4 theme of decision-making and opinions. Students should focus on understanding its application in legal contexts and related phrases like 判决 (pànjué, judgment).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of judgment often ties into the broader themes of social harmony and the importance of rightful decision-making. The legal system has deep historical roots, and the character 判 reflects the serious nature of judicial processes.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 判 with 评, leading to sentences like '我评这个问题' (I judge this problem) when it should be '我判这个问题' (I judge this problem) for a more appropriate context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 判
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Grammar Patterns of 判
判 carries 6 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
The trial resulted in acquittals on all but one count.
10
心头涌起一阵强烈的感情，模糊了他的判断力。
xīn tóu yǒng qǐ yī zhèn qiáng liè de gǎn qíng， ， mó hū le tā de pàn duàn。
A tide of emotion rose and clouded his judgement.
Cultural Notes for 判
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of judgment often ties into the broader themes of social harmony and the importance of rightful decision-making. The legal system has deep historical roots, and the character 判 reflects the serious nature of judicial processes.
Word Family of 判
Compounds1
鵥
Words Containing This Character20
判断pànduànto judge判斷
谈判tánpànto negotiate談判
审判shěnpàna trial審判
判pànto judge
判决pànjuéto sentence判決
裁判cáipànjudgment
批判pīpànto criticize
判处pànchǔto sentence判處
评判píngpànto appraise評判
宣判to pronounce a sentence (after a verdict in a court of law)
判定pàndìngto judge
判断力judgment判斷力
判刑to sentence (to prison etc)
裁判员referee裁判員
误判to misjudge誤判
判官mythological underworld judge
判别to differentiate判別
审判庭court審判庭
审判长presiding judge審判長
谈判桌conference table談判桌
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 判断 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 判
判 (pàn) often emphasizes a definitive judgment or sentence, while 评 (píng) typically relates to evaluation or commentary without the connotation of a formal decision. Both can be related but are used in different contexts.
Yes, 判 is used in everyday conversation, especially when discussing opinions or making judgments. It might not be common in casual chat, but it can be relevant in discussions about decisions or evaluations.
You can use 判 in sentences such as '法官判了他有罪' (The judge sentenced him guilty). It often appears in legal contexts but can also apply to making judgments in everyday situations. For example, '我们应该判别是非' (We should discern right from wrong).
判 (pàn) means 'to judge' or 'to sentence'. It can also refer to the act of discriminating or discerning differences. In some contexts, it implies a clear distinction or judgment on something.
You can say '法官判决了这个案件' (The judge ruled on this case) to illustrate its usage.
No, while it is prevalent in legal discussions, it can also refer to making judgments in everyday situations.
Synonyms include 评 (píng, to evaluate) and 判断 (pànduàn, to judge as a conclusion), but the nuances differ.
