Translation guide
The English word "judgment" covers several distinct meanings, from legal rulings to personal opinions and the ability to make decisions. This guide breaks down these meanings and provides natural Japanese equivalents for each.
Expressing an official legal decision, verdict, or ruling.
The standard term for a court judgment or ruling in a legal case.
裁判所は被告に有罪の判決を下した。
The court handed down a guilty judgment against the defendant.
The verb phrase meaning "to render a judgment" or "to pass a sentence."
裁判官はまだ判決を下していない。
The judge has not yet rendered a judgment.
The written judgment or court opinion document.
判決文は来週公開される。
The written judgment will be released next week.
Expressing a personal assessment, critique, or conclusion about something.
General term for judgment as a decision or assessment based on reasoning. Often used in phrases like "make a judgment."
最終的な判断はあなたに任せます。
I'll leave the final judgment to you.
彼の判断は正しかった。
His judgment was correct.
Evaluation or appraisal, often used for performance, quality, or value judgments.
A formal opinion or view, often used in professional or academic contexts.
Referring to the faculty of discernment, good sense, or sound decision-making.
The capacity for judgment; decision-making ability.
彼は判断力に優れている。
He has excellent judgment.
年を取ると判断力が鈍ることがある。
Judgment can decline with age.
Prudence, discretion, or good sense, often implying maturity and wisdom.
Good sense or sound judgment, often used in social contexts.
Expressing a negative assessment, often moral or personal.
Criticism or negative judgment, often implying fault-finding.
彼は他人の批判ばかりしている。
He is always passing judgment on others.
Blame or condemnation, stronger than 批判.
Religious or mythological context of God's judgment or the Last Judgment.
Judgment in a religious sense, especially the Last Judgment. Also used for refereeing in sports.
最後の審判の日が来る。
The day of judgment will come.
God's judgment or divine punishment.
それは神の裁きだ。
That is God's judgment.
判断 (handan) is a general term for judgment as a decision or assessment, while 判決 (hanketsu) is specifically a legal ruling. Use 判断 for everyday decisions and 判決 only in court contexts.
彼の判断は正しかった。
His judgment was correct. (general)
判決は来月言い渡される。
The judgment will be handed down next month. (legal)
English 'judgment' covers many nuances. Using one Japanese word for all contexts will sound unnatural. Always consider the specific meaning: legal ruling, personal opinion, decision-making ability, or criticism.
私の判断では、彼は有罪だ。
In my judgment, he is guilty.
彼女は判断力のなさを見せた。
She showed poor judgment.
裁判所は判決を下した。
The court issued a judgment.
The judgment of his work is harsh.
専門家の見解を聞きたい。
I'd like to hear the expert's judgment.
彼は分別のある人だ。
He is a man of judgment.
良識ある行動を期待する。
We expect behavior based on good judgment.
She received unfair judgment.