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March 24, 2026
裁判cáipàn(cai2pan4)
裁判 (cái pàn) refers to a person who makes judgments in competitions, such as a referee or umpire. It can also denote the act of judging or making decisions in various contexts, including sports and legal matters. This term is commonly used in discussions about sports and formal adjudications.
Frequency#4756DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese sports culture, the role of a 裁判 is crucial for maintaining fairness and order in competitions, similar to their role in Western sports. However, there's often a greater emphasis on respect for authority figures like referees in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a referee (裁判) holding a pair of scissors (裁), ready to cut through any disputes. The character 裁 (cái) looks like a pair of scissors, and 判 (pàn) can remind you of a judge's gavel, symbolizing decision-making. Together, they represent someone who cuts through confusion to deliver a fair judgment.
Meanings of 裁判
cáipàn(cai2pan4)
1judgment
2to referee
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About 裁判
裁判Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名动词dòngcíverb-noun (v.-n.)Part of Speech
#4756Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 裁判
Podcast: 裁判
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AI Study Notes for 裁判
Quick Contrast
裁判 (cáipàn) vs 判决 (pànjué) — use 裁判 for the person or role of a referee, while 判决 refers specifically to a decision or ruling made by a judge.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a referee (裁判) holding a pair of scissors (裁), ready to cut through any disputes. The character 裁 (cái) looks like a pair of scissors, and 判 (pàn) can remind you of a judge's gavel, symbolizing decision-making. Together, they represent someone who cuts through confusion to deliver a fair judgment.
Usage Notes
It's important to note that 裁判 is used primarily in formal contexts, especially in sports. Learners often confuse it with other words for judgment or decision-making, such as 判断 (pàn duàn), which is more general. Be cautious of tone when pronouncing, as mispronouncing the tones can lead to confusion with unrelated terms.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 裁判 connects with other legal and formal vocabulary. Focus on understanding its usage in both sports and legal contexts, and practice using it in sentences that involve judging or refereeing to reinforce its meaning.
Cultural Note
In Chinese sports culture, the role of a 裁判 is crucial for maintaining fairness and order in competitions, similar to their role in Western sports. However, there's often a greater emphasis on respect for authority figures like referees in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 裁判 with 评判 (píng pàn), which means to evaluate or assess, leading to incorrect usage. For instance, saying '他是一个好的评判' (He is a good judge) instead of '他是一个好的裁判' (He is a good referee) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 裁判
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Grammar Patterns of 裁判
裁判 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 6 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他倾向性过于明显，当不了____。
He is clearly too partisan to be a referee.
Example Sentences for 裁判 (10)
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1
他倾向性过于明显，当不了裁判。
tā qīng xiàng xìng guò yú míng xiǎn， ， dāng bù le cái。
He is clearly too partisan to be a referee.
2
他显然一直在挥舞旗子吸引主裁判的注意。
tā xiǎn rán yī zhí zài huī wǔ qí zǐ xī yǐn zhǔ cái pàn de zhù yì。
He had unmistakably been waving his flag to attract the referee's attention.
Who is going to judge the long - jump competition?
9
今年比赛谁当裁判?
jīn nián bǐ sài shuí dāng cái pàn?
Who is adjudicating at this year's contest?
10
谁来当裁判?
shuí lái dāng cái pàn?
Who is going to umpire?
Cultural Notes for 裁判
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese sports culture, the role of a 裁判 is crucial for maintaining fairness and order in competitions, similar to their role in Western sports. However, there's often a greater emphasis on respect for authority figures like referees in Chinese culture.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
While referees in both cultures are seen as authority figures, in Western contexts, they might be viewed more critically by players and fans, whereas in Chinese culture, there's typically a stronger expectation of respect and deference towards referees.
Frequently Asked Questions about 裁判
裁判 specifically refers to refereeing or judgment in formal contexts, like in sports, while 判断 is a more general term for making decisions or judgments.
Yes, 裁判 can refer to judges in legal contexts as well, but it is primarily associated with refereeing.
