JLPT N2Verb · IrregularBusinessDaily Life

判断する

はんだんする·handan suru

Meaning

to judge; to decide; to assess; to determine

Formality
Formal

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 (3)

1

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.

Business
2

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.

Business
3

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.

formal

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