At the A1 level, you should understand that 裁判 (saiban) means 'trial' or 'court case.' It is a word you might see in basic news or hear in stories about right and wrong. You don't need to know the complex legal procedures, but you should recognize it as a formal process where a judge (裁判官) decides who is right. For example, 'The trial is tomorrow' (裁判は明日です). It is a noun, and you can use it with simple verbs like 'is' (desu) or 'begins' (hajimaru). Think of it as the place where people go when they have a big problem they cannot solve by talking. Even at this level, knowing the word helps you understand that a situation has become serious and formal.
At the A2 level, you can start using 裁判 in simple sentences to describe events. You should learn common pairings like 裁判を受ける (to receive/undergo a trial) and 裁判所 (courthouse). You might use it to talk about TV shows or news you've seen. For example, 'I watched a trial drama on TV' (テレビで裁判のドラマを見ました). You are also beginning to understand that 裁判 involves a process that takes time. You can describe the duration: 'The trial was long' (裁判は長かったです). At this stage, you should be able to distinguish between a 'trial' and a 'discussion' (話し合い).
At the B1 level, you should be able to use 裁判 in more complex grammatical structures, such as expressing opinions or reporting what someone said. You should understand the difference between 裁判 (the process) and 判決 (the verdict). You can use phrases like 裁判になる (to result in a trial) to describe the escalation of a conflict. For instance, 'If we don't settle this, it will result in a trial' (解決しなければ、裁判になるでしょう). You should also be familiar with the role of the 裁判官 (judge) and 弁護士 (lawyer) within the 裁判 context. You can follow basic news reports about legal disputes.
At the B2 level, you can discuss the nuances of the Japanese judicial system using 裁判. You should be comfortable with terms like 民事裁判 (civil trial) and 刑事裁判 (criminal trial). You can explain why someone might 裁判を起こす (initiate a lawsuit) and discuss the social implications of a 裁判の結果 (trial result). You should also understand the 'Lay Judge' system (裁判員制度) and be able to express your thoughts on it. Your vocabulary should include related verbs like 控訴する (to appeal) and 証言する (to testify). You can read newspaper articles about legal cases with minimal use of a dictionary.
At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of 裁判 within the context of Japanese law and society. You can use the word in academic or professional discussions about jurisprudence. You understand the historical context of 裁判 in Japan and can compare it with other systems. You are familiar with technical terms like 第一審 (first instance trial), 結審 (conclusion of a trial), and 裁判の執行 (execution of a judgment). You can analyze the rhetoric used in 裁判 and understand the subtle implications of legal language. You can participate in debates about judicial reform or the ethics of certain 裁判 outcomes.
At the C2 level, your mastery of 裁判 is equivalent to that of a native speaker with a high level of education. You can interpret complex legal documents and Supreme Court (最高裁判所) rulings. You understand the philosophical underpinnings of 裁判 as a concept of justice. You can use the word in highly specialized contexts, such as discussing constitutional 裁判 or international law. You are sensitive to the stylistic choices in legal writing and can produce professional-grade texts involving 裁判. You can effortlessly switch between formal legal jargon and everyday explanations of the 裁判 process.

裁判 en 30 segundos

  • 裁判 (Saiban) means 'trial' or 'judgment' in a legal context.
  • It refers to the entire process of a court hearing and decision-making.
  • Commonly used in news, legal dramas, and formal discussions about justice.
  • Pair it with 'suru' (to judge) or 'ukeru' (to undergo a trial).

The Japanese word 裁判 (さいばん - saiban) is a cornerstone of the legal and social vocabulary. At its core, it refers to the formal process of adjudication where a legal authority, typically a judge or a panel of judges, evaluates evidence and arguments to resolve a dispute or determine the guilt or innocence of an individual. While it is often translated simply as 'trial,' its scope in Japanese encompasses the entire judicial decision-making process, from the initial hearing to the final verdict. Understanding 裁判 is essential for anyone looking to navigate Japanese news, literature, or formal discussions, as it reflects the nation's structured approach to justice and social order.

Legal Scope
Refers to civil, criminal, and administrative trials within the Japanese court system.
Decision Power
The act of a judge rendering a binding legal decision based on the law.
Social Function
A mechanism for conflict resolution that maintains the 'wa' (harmony) through formal rules.

彼は無実を証明するために裁判を戦った。(He fought a trial to prove his innocence.)

In a broader sense, 裁判 represents the intersection of individual rights and state authority. In Japan, the judicial system is divided into different levels: Summary Courts, District Courts, High Courts, and the Supreme Court. Each level handles 裁判 of varying complexity and importance. The term is also used in compound words like 裁判所 (saibansho - courthouse) and 裁判官 (saibankan - judge), which are ubiquitous in any discussion regarding the law. Even for a beginner (A1 level), knowing this word helps in understanding the basic structure of how a society handles 'right' and 'wrong' in a formal setting.

この事件は来月、裁判にかけられる。(This case will be brought to trial next month.)

Historically, the concept of 裁判 in Japan has evolved from local community-based mediation to a highly formalized Western-influenced system established during the Meiji Restoration. This evolution means that while the word sounds modern and technical, it carries the weight of a society that values procedural fairness. When you hear 裁判 in a Japanese drama or news report, it often signals a high-stakes moment where the truth is about to be revealed or a life-changing decision is about to be made. It is not just a 'court case'; it is the formal manifestation of justice.

公正な裁判を受ける権利は、憲法で保障されている。(The right to receive a fair trial is guaranteed by the Constitution.)

離婚の裁判は長くかかった。(The divorce trial took a long time.)

彼は裁判の結果に満足していない。(He is not satisfied with the result of the trial.)

Kanji Breakdown
裁 (sai) means 'to cut' or 'to judge/decide'. 判 (ban) means 'to distinguish' or 'to determine'. Together, they literally mean 'to cut through confusion to make a judgment'.

Using 裁判 correctly requires understanding its role as a noun and its common verbal pairings. In Japanese, 裁判 functions as a 'Suru-verb' (裁判する), meaning 'to judge' or 'to hold a trial,' but it is more frequently used as a noun within specific grammatical structures. For instance, if you are the plaintiff, you might say 裁判を起こす (saiban o okosu), which means 'to bring a lawsuit' or 'to initiate a trial.' Conversely, if you are the defendant, you 裁判にかけられる (saiban ni kakerareru), meaning 'to be put on trial.'

As a Subject
裁判が始まる (The trial begins). Here, the trial itself is the focus.
As an Object
裁判を傍聴する (To observe a trial). Used when attending as a member of the public.
With Particles
裁判で勝つ (To win in court/trial). The particle 'de' indicates the location or means.

In daily conversation, 裁判 is often used to describe long, drawn-out disputes. You might hear someone say, 'It’s going to end up in 裁判' (裁判になりそうだ) to indicate that a private disagreement has escalated beyond informal resolution. It is important to distinguish 裁判 from 訴訟 (soshō), which specifically refers to the lawsuit or the legal action itself. While they are often used interchangeably in casual speech, 裁判 is the broader term for the hearing and judgment process.

隣人とのトラブルで裁判になった。(A trouble with the neighbor resulted in a trial.)

When discussing the outcome of a trial, you use 裁判の結果 (saiban no kekka). If you want to refer to the specific ruling made by the judge, you use 判決 (hanketsu). For example, 'The trial ended, and the judgment was delivered' would be 裁判が終わり、判決が下された. Understanding these nuances helps you sound more natural and precise in Japanese. Additionally, in professional contexts, you might encounter 裁判外紛争解決 (ADR), which refers to alternative dispute resolution outside of a formal trial.

彼はその裁判で証言した。(He testified in that trial.)

The word 裁判 is a staple of Japanese media. You will encounter it most frequently in the following contexts:

  • News Reports: Daily news broadcasts (報道 - hōdō) frequently cover high-profile criminal or civil cases. You'll hear phrases like '今日の裁判では...' (In today's trial...) or '裁判所が判断を下しました' (The court has made a judgment).
  • Legal Dramas: Japan has a massive genre of 'Legal Dramas' (リーガルドラマ). Shows like 'Hero' or '99.9 Criminal Lawyer' use 裁判 constantly as the climax of their episodes.
  • Newspapers: In the 'Social' (社会 - shakai) section of newspapers like Asahi or Yomiuri, headlines often feature 裁判 to report on legal developments.
  • History Lessons: When learning about the post-WWII era, the 'Tokyo Trial' (東京裁判 - Tōkyō Saiban) is a fundamental topic.

ニュースで昨日の裁判の様子を見た。(I saw the state of yesterday's trial on the news.)

In addition to formal media, you might hear 裁判 in workplace settings when discussing compliance or contract disputes. While Japan is often characterized as a less litigious society than the US, the use of 裁判 as a threat or a final resort is common in business negotiations. If a company fails to pay its debts, the creditor might say, 'We will take this to 裁判' (裁判に訴える). This usage highlights the word's role as a symbol of ultimate authority and resolution.

このドラマのクライマックスは裁判のシーンだ。(The climax of this drama is the trial scene.)

One of the most common mistakes learners make is confusing 裁判 (saiban) with 判決 (hanketsu). While they are related, they are not synonyms. 裁判 refers to the *process* of the trial, while 判決 refers to the *verdict* or the final decision made at the end of that process. You can 'attend a 裁判,' but you 'hear a 判決.'

Mistake 1: Using 'Saiban' for 'Verdict'
Incorrect: 裁判は懲役5年だった。(The trial was 5 years in prison.)
Correct: 判決は懲役5年だった。(The verdict was 5 years in prison.)
Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Soshō'
Incorrect: 裁判をファイルする。(To file a trial - sounds unnatural.)
Correct: 訴訟を起こす。(To file a lawsuit.)

Another mistake is the incorrect use of particles. Many learners use 'o' (object marker) when they should use 'ni' (target/result marker). For example, to say 'it became a trial,' you must say 裁判になった, not 裁判をした (unless you are the one actively conducting it). Using 裁判をする when you are the defendant makes it sound like you are the judge!

❌ 私は裁判しました。
✅ 私は裁判を受けました。(I underwent a trial.)

To truly master 裁判, you should know the words that surround it in the legal semantic field. Each has a specific nuance that 裁判 does not cover.

訴訟 (Soshō)
Lawsuit. This focuses on the legal action and the paperwork filed to start a case. It is more technical than 裁判.
審判 (Shinpan)
Judgment/Refereeing. Used in sports (referee) or in specific legal contexts like Family Court (家庭裁判所) for 'adjudication' rather than a full trial.
公判 (Kōhan)
Public trial. This specifically refers to the hearings in a criminal case that are open to the public.
裁定 (Saitei)
Ruling/Arbitration. Often used in business or administrative contexts where a third party makes a decision to settle a dispute without a full court trial.

彼は会社を相手に訴訟を起こした。(He filed a lawsuit against the company.)

While 裁判 is the most common and general term, choosing 訴訟 makes you sound more professional, and using 公判 shows you are specifically talking about the courtroom proceedings of a criminal case. In sports, never use 裁判; always use 審判. A judge in a court is a 裁判官, but a referee in soccer is a 審判.

How Formal Is It?

Nivel de dificultad

Gramática que debes saber

~をめぐって (concerning/over)

~に基づいて (based on)

~を通じて (through/via)

~ことになった (it has been decided that)

~べきだ (should)

Ejemplos por nivel

1

裁判はどこですか?

Where is the trial?

Basic 'Noun wa doko desu ka' structure.

2

裁判は明日です。

The trial is tomorrow.

Simple time expression with noun.

3

これは裁判のニュースです。

This is news about a trial.

Possessive 'no' connecting two nouns.

4

裁判は怖いです。

Trials are scary.

Adjective describing a noun.

5

裁判が始まりました。

The trial has started.

Intransitive verb 'hajimaru' with subject marker 'ga'.

6

裁判は終わりました。

The trial has ended.

Intransitive verb 'owaru' in past tense.

7

裁判に行きます。

I am going to the trial.

Directional particle 'ni' with verb of motion.

8

裁判の本を読みます。

I read a book about trials.

Object marker 'o' with transitive verb.

1

裁判所は駅の近くにあります。

The courthouse is near the station.

Location expression 'no chikaku ni arimasu'.

2

有名な裁判のドラマを見ました。

I watched a famous trial drama.

Adjective modifying a noun phrase.

3

彼は裁判を受けることになりました。

It has been decided that he will undergo a trial.

Grammar 'koto ni narimashita' indicating a decision/outcome.

4

裁判は三時間くらいかかりました。

The trial took about three hours.

Duration with 'kurai' and 'kakarimashita'.

5

裁判で本当のことを言いました。

I told the truth at the trial.

Location particle 'de' for an event.

6

裁判の結果を知りたいです。

I want to know the result of the trial.

Desire form 'tai' with verb 'shiru'.

7

裁判官は厳しい人でした。

The judge was a strict person.

Noun modification with adjective.

8

裁判のために弁護士を呼びました。

I called a lawyer for the trial.

Purpose marker 'no tame ni'.

1

この問題は裁判で解決するしかない。

There is no choice but to resolve this issue in court.

Grammar 'shika nai' meaning 'no choice but to'.

2

裁判が長引くと、お金がかかります。

If the trial drags on, it will cost money.

Conditional 'to' indicating a natural consequence.

3

彼は裁判に勝つ自信があるようです。

It seems he has confidence in winning the trial.

Appearance 'yōda' based on observation.

4

裁判の内容を詳しく教えてください。

Please tell me the details of the trial.

Request form 'te kudasai' with adverb 'kuwashiku'.

5

昨日、裁判を傍聴しに行きました。

I went to observe a trial yesterday.

Purpose of movement 'ni ikimashita'.

6

裁判所からの手紙が届いて驚いた。

I was surprised when a letter from the court arrived.

Cause/reason 'te' form with 'odoroita'.

7

裁判が公正に行われることを願っています。

I hope that the trial is conducted fairly.

Noun clause 'koto' with 'negatte iru'.

8

裁判の途中で新しい証拠が見つかった。

New evidence was found in the middle of the trial.

Time expression 'no tochu de'.

1

裁判員制度についてどう思いますか?

What do you think about the lay judge system?

Topic marker 'ni tsuite' meaning 'about'.

2

不当な解雇をめぐって裁判を起こした。

He filed a lawsuit over an unfair dismissal.

Grammar 'o megutte' meaning 'concerning/over'.

3

裁判の結果、彼の無実が証明された。

As a result of the trial, his innocence was proven.

Resultative 'no kekka'.

4

この裁判は社会的に大きな注目を集めている。

This trial is attracting a lot of social attention.

Progressive 'te iru' with 'chūmoku o atsumeru'.

5

裁判官は証拠に基づいて判断を下した。

The judge made a judgment based on the evidence.

Grammar 'ni motozuite' meaning 'based on'.

6

裁判が結審するまでには数ヶ月かかるだろう。

It will probably take several months until the trial concludes.

Conjecture 'darō' with 'made ni wa'.

7

彼は裁判の費用を工面するのに苦労している。

He is struggling to manage the costs of the trial.

Nominalizer 'no ni' indicating purpose/context of struggle.

8

裁判での証言は、判決に大きな影響を与えた。

The testimony in the trial had a major impact on the verdict.

Compound particle 'de no' modifying a noun.

1

最高裁判所の判決は、今後の判例に影響する。

The Supreme Court's ruling will affect future precedents.

Technical legal vocabulary: 'saikō saibansho', 'hanrei'.

2

裁判の迅速化を図るための改革が進められている。

Reforms are being promoted to speed up trials.

Grammar 'no tame no' and 'susumerarete iru' (passive progressive).

3

この事案は、裁判にかけるまでもない明白なものだ。

This case is so obvious it's not even worth taking to trial.

Grammar 'made mo nai' meaning 'not even worth'.

4

裁判における被告の権利は厳格に守られるべきだ。

The rights of the defendant in a trial should be strictly protected.

Formal particle 'ni okeru' and 'beki da' (should).

5

検察側は、裁判で新たな証拠を提示した。

The prosecution presented new evidence at the trial.

Technical term 'kensatsu-gawa' (prosecution side).

6

裁判の公正さを疑う余地はない。

There is no room to doubt the fairness of the trial.

Idiomatic expression 'utagau yochi wa nai'.

7

彼は裁判を通じて、自らの正当性を主張した。

Through the trial, he asserted his own legitimacy.

Grammar 'o tsūjite' meaning 'through/via'.

8

裁判の長期化は、当事者にとって大きな負担となる。

The prolongation of a trial becomes a heavy burden for the parties involved.

Nominalization 'chōkika' and 'tōshisha' (parties involved).

1

司法の独立は、公正な裁判を担保する根幹である。

Judicial independence is the foundation that guarantees a fair trial.

High-level vocabulary: 'shihō no dokuritsu', 'tanpo suru', 'konkan'.

2

裁判官の忌避申し立てが受理された例は極めて稀だ。

Instances where a motion to recuse a judge is accepted are extremely rare.

Legal jargon: 'kihi mōshitate' (motion to recuse).

3

憲法裁判の枠組みにおいて、人権の解釈が問われている。

Within the framework of constitutional litigation, the interpretation of human rights is being questioned.

Abstract concept 'wakugumi' and 'towarete iru'.

4

裁判の公開原則は、民主主義の透明性を維持するために不可欠だ。

The principle of public trials is essential for maintaining the transparency of democracy.

Formal noun compounds and 'fukakesu' (indispensable).

5

裁判記録の精査により、重大な事実誤認が発覚した。

A scrutiny of the trial records revealed a significant factual error.

Technical terms: 'seisa' (scrutiny), 'jijitsu gonin' (factual error).

6

裁判の確定判決には、既判力という法的効力が生じる。

A final and binding judgment of a trial generates a legal effect called res judicata.

Advanced legal theory: 'kakutei hanketsu', 'kihankuryoku'.

7

国際司法裁判所における係争案件は、複雑な政治背景を孕んでいる。

Disputed cases in the International Court of Justice are fraught with complex political backgrounds.

International context and 'harande iru' (to be fraught with).

8

裁判のIT化は、司法アクセスの向上に寄与すると期待されている。

The digitalization of trials is expected to contribute to improving access to justice.

Modern social context and 'kiyo suru' (contribute).

Sinónimos

Colocaciones comunes

裁判を起こす (file a lawsuit)
裁判にかける (put on trial)
裁判を受ける (undergo a trial)
裁判で勝つ (win in court)
裁判を傍聴する (observe a trial)
裁判が始まる (trial begins)
裁判の結果 (trial result)
裁判の費用 (trial costs)
公正な裁判 (fair trial)
公開の裁判 (public trial)

Se confunde a menudo con

裁判 vs 判決 (Verdict - the end result)

裁判 vs 訴訟 (Lawsuit - the legal action)

裁判 vs 審判 (Refereeing - sports/family court)

Fácil de confundir

裁判 vs

裁判 vs

裁判 vs

裁判 vs

裁判 vs

Patrones de oraciones

Familia de palabras

Relacionado

裁判所 (Courthouse)
裁判官 (Judge)
裁判員 (Lay judge)
制裁 (Sanction)
独裁 (Dictatorship)
裁縫 (Sewing - literal 'cutting')

Cómo usarlo

nuance

Saiban is very formal. In casual talk, people might use 'mome-goto' (trouble) unless it's literally in court.

frequency

High in media, medium in daily life.

Errores comunes
  • Confusing 'Saiban' (Trial) with 'Hanketsu' (Verdict).
  • Using 'Saiban' for sports referees (should be 'Shinpan').
  • Saying 'Saiban o suru' when you mean you are the one being sued.
  • Forgetting the 'n' at the end (saying 'Saiba').
  • Using 'Saiban' when 'Soshō' (lawsuit) is more technically accurate in a business context.

Consejos

Learn the 'Person' words

Learn Saibankan (Judge), Bengoshi (Lawyer), and Kensatsukan (Prosecutor) together with Saiban.

Harmony over Conflict

Remember that in Japan, avoiding 'Saiban' is often preferred to maintain social harmony.

Particle Choice

Use 'ni' for 'Saiban ni naru' (become a trial) and 'de' for 'Saiban de tatakau' (fight in a trial).

Watch '99.9'

The drama '99.9 Criminal Lawyer' is great for hearing 'Saiban' used repeatedly.

Focus on 'Sai'

The kanji 裁 also appears in 'Seisai' (sanction), helping you link it to legal authority.

News Keywords

When you hear 'Saiban', listen for the next word to see if it's 'Hanketsu' (verdict) or 'Kōhan' (hearing).

Formal Situations

Use 'Saiban' in formal discussions; it sounds very serious and professional.

Compound Words

Don't forget the 'sho' in 'Saibansho' when referring to the building.

The Gavel Sound

Associate the 'Ban' in 'Saiban' with the 'Bang' of a judge's gavel.

Don't use for petty fights

Using 'Saiban' for a small argument with a friend sounds like a joke or sarcasm.

Memorízalo

Origen de la palabra

Contexto cultural

Trials are sometimes avoided to prevent 'loss of face'.

Japan has a lower litigation rate compared to many Western countries.

Ordinary citizens sit with professional judges in serious criminal cases.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Inicios de conversación

"最近、ニュースで話題の裁判についてどう思いますか? (What do you think about the trial that's been in the news lately?)"

"裁判員の経験はありますか? (Do you have experience as a lay judge?)"

"日本の裁判ドラマでおすすめはありますか? (Do you have any recommendations for Japanese legal dramas?)"

"裁判は時間がかかるイメージがありますか? (Do you have the impression that trials take a long time?)"

"もし裁判になったら、どうしますか? (What would you do if you ended up in a trial?)"

Temas para diario

あなたが裁判官だったら、どんな判決を下しますか? (If you were a judge, what kind of verdict would you hand down?)

裁判員制度のメリットとデメリットについて書いてください。 (Write about the pros and cons of the lay judge system.)

今まで見た裁判ドラマの感想を書いてください。 (Write your thoughts on a legal drama you've seen.)

「正義」と「裁判」の関係について考えてください。 (Think about the relationship between 'justice' and 'trials'.)

裁判を避けるために大切なことは何だと思いますか? (What do you think is important to avoid a trial?)

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, for sports you use 'Shinpan' (referee). 'Saiban' is strictly legal.

Usually, the court 'Saiban suru'. A person 'Saiban o ukeru' (receives) or 'Saiban o okosu' (starts).

It is a lay judge, a citizen who participates in a trial.

No, 'Saiban' is the trial. 'Saibansho' is the courthouse (the building/institution).

You say 'Saiban ni katta' (裁判に勝った).

Yes, 'Rikon Saiban' is a common term for divorce trials.

It is Heiban (flat), meaning all syllables are relatively level.

The concept is basic, but the word itself is often introduced at the intermediate level (N3).

Yes, like 'Saigo no Saiban' (The Last Judgment).

Yes, especially in detective or mystery anime like 'Detective Conan'.

Ponte a prueba 180 preguntas

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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