Meaning
to judge; to decide; to assess; to determine
Nuance & Usage
判断する means to make a judgment or assessment based on available information. 状況を判断する (to assess the situation), 自分で判断する (to judge for oneself), 判断を下す (to make a judgment/ruling), 判断力 (handan-ryoku — judgment, decision-making ability) are key expressions. Unlike 決める (kimeru — to decide), 判断する implies an evaluative process — weighing information and reaching a conclusion. 冷静に判断する (to judge calmly) is often used in crisis or leadership contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners confuse 判断する with 決める (kimeru — to decide) and 評価する (hyouka suru — to evaluate). 判断する is about making an assessment or determination, often in ambiguous situations; 決める is a final choice; 評価する is about rating or reviewing. 判断を誤る (to misjudge) is an important idiom. 判断が難しい (difficult to judge) and 判断に迷う (to be undecided) are common expressions. Note that 判断 takes を or は: 判断をする or 判断する.
Example Sentences
現場の状況を見て、適切に判断してください。
げんばのじょうきょうをみて、てきせつにはんだんしてください。
Please look at the situation on the ground and make an appropriate judgment.
感情ではなく、事実に基づいて判断することが重要だ。
かんじょうではなく、じじつにもとづいてはんだんすることがじゅうようだ。
It's important to judge based on facts, not emotions.
医師が患者の状態を判断して、治療方針を決める。
いしがかんじゃのじょうたいをはんだんして、ちりょうほうしんをきめる。
The doctor assesses the patient's condition and decides on a treatment plan.
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