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A1 noun #3,767 most common 12 min read

判事

hanji Top 3,767

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 判事 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 判事 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that **判事 (hanji)** is a very formal word for a 'judge.' Imagine a person in a black robe who sits at the front of a courtroom and says who is right or wrong in a legal fight. That person is a **判事**. Even though this word is a bit advanced, you might see it in simple stories or news headlines. Think of it as a 'job name' like 'doctor' or 'teacher,' but for the law. In Japanese, we often use the word 'saibankan' for judge, but **判事** is the official title. You can remember it by thinking of it as the 'boss of the court.' Because you are just starting, don't worry about the complex legal rules. Just remember: **判事** = Court Judge. You use it as a noun. For example: 'He is a judge' is 'Kare wa hanji desu.' It is a serious word for a serious job. You won't use it for a judge in a game or a contest. For those, we use different words. Keep it simple: if there is a trial, there is a **判事**.

At the A2 level, you can start to understand the context where **判事 (hanji)** appears. You will likely see it in news reports or simple Japanese dramas. A **判事** is a professional whose job is to listen to lawyers and then make a final decision based on the law. You can use it in sentences with basic adjectives. For example, 'a famous judge' is 'yuumei na hanji' or 'a strict judge' is 'kibishii hanji.' You should also learn that this word is specifically for legal judges. If you are talking about a referee in soccer, you must use 'shimpan.' If you are talking about a judge in a singing contest, use 'shinsain.' **判事** is only for the courtroom. You might also notice that in Japan, judges are very respected. When you use this word, it sounds very formal. You might hear it in the phrase 'hanji no handan' (the judge's decision). This is a great way to start building more complex sentences. Remember, **判事** is a person, so you use the same grammar you use for other professions.

At the B1 level, you should understand the distinction between **判事 (hanji)** and 'saibankan.' While both mean judge, **判事** is a specific rank within the Japanese court system. In Japan, the judiciary is a career path. A person becomes a 'hanji-ho' (assistant judge) first and then, after ten years of experience, they become a full **判事**. This word is frequently used in newspaper articles and legal thrillers. You should be able to use it in sentences describing judicial actions. For example, 'The judge handed down a sentence' (Hanji ga hanketsu wo iwatashita). You will also see it in compound words like 'saiko-saibansho-hanji' (Supreme Court Judge). At this level, you should be comfortable seeing **判事** as the subject of complex sentences involving legal procedures. You should also be aware of the social status of a **判事** in Japan; they are considered elite professionals who have passed one of the hardest exams in the country. Understanding this word helps you navigate formal Japanese media and understand the structure of the Japanese government.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use **判事 (hanji)** with precision in discussions about the legal system or social issues. You should understand that **判事** is a title used for judges in the District, Family, and High Courts. In the Supreme Court, they are technically 'Saiko-saibansho-hanji,' and in Summary Courts, they are 'kan-i-saibansho-hanji.' You should be able to discuss the role of the **判事** in the 'Saiban-in' (Lay Judge) system, where professional judges work alongside ordinary citizens. You will encounter this word in editorials discussing judicial reform or the independence of the judiciary. At this level, you should also be familiar with related verbs like 'kitaku suru' (to dismiss a claim) or 'nintei suru' (to acknowledge/find facts), which are actions performed by a **判事**. You can also use the word in the passive voice to describe how a case was handled: 'The case was presided over by a veteran judge' (Sono jiken wa beteran no hanji ni yotte tantou sareta). Your understanding should include the nuance that **判事** represents the authority and impartiality of the state.

At the C1 level, your understanding of **判事 (hanji)** should extend to the nuances of judicial philosophy and the administrative structure of the courts. You should be able to read and analyze legal opinions where the **判事** explains their reasoning. This involves understanding the 'hanji-jikou' (matters for judgment) and the 'hanrei' (legal precedents) that a **判事** must follow. You should be able to discuss the nuances of judicial discretion and how a **判事** interprets the Constitution versus statutory law. At this level, you might encounter the word in academic papers or high-level political analysis. You should also understand the historical evolution of the title **判事** from the Meiji era to the present day, including how the role changed from being an executive branch official to an independent member of the judicial branch. You should be able to use the word in complex debates about judicial activism versus judicial restraint. Your vocabulary should also include specific types of judges, such as 'bu-cho-hanji' (presiding judge of a division) and their specific administrative responsibilities within the court hierarchy.

At the C2 level, you possess a near-native command of the word **判事 (hanji)** and its place within the intricate tapestry of the Japanese legal and constitutional framework. You can engage in deep critiques of specific rulings, discussing the 'individual opinions' (kobetsu-iken) of **判事** in Supreme Court cases. You understand the political implications of judicial appointments and the 'national review' (kokumin-shinsa) process for **判事**. Your knowledge includes the subtle differences in register between **判事**, 'saibankan,' and more archaic or poetic terms for the judiciary. You can navigate the most complex legal documents, such as 'hanketsu-gaki' (written judgments), where the logic of the **判事** is meticulously laid out. You are also aware of the international context, comparing the role of a Japanese **判事** with judges in common law systems. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a gateway to a comprehensive understanding of Japanese jurisprudence, statecraft, and the concept of justice in Japanese society. You can use the term fluently in professional legal settings, academic conferences, or high-level journalistic writing without any hesitation or error in nuance.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

判事 in 30 Seconds

A 'hanji' is a professional judge in the Japanese legal system, specifically serving in District, Family, and High Courts after ten years of experience.
The word is composed of two kanji meaning 'judgment' and 'matter,' signifying someone who officially manages the business of making judicial decisions.
It is a highly formal term used in legal documents, news broadcasts, and academic settings, distinguishing professional judges from referees or contest evaluators.
As one of the three legal professions in Japan, the role carries immense social prestige and requires passing the rigorous national bar examination.

The Japanese word 判事 (hanji) is a formal and specific noun used to describe a professional judge in a court of law. To understand this word deeply, one must first look at the individual kanji that compose it. The first character, 判 (han), carries meanings related to judgment, signature, seal, or decision-making. It is the same character found in words like handan (judgment) or hanketsu (judicial ruling). The second character, 事 (ji), refers to a matter, a thing, an affair, or business. When combined, 判事 literally translates to 'one who handles the business of judgment.' This term is not merely a generic word for someone who makes decisions; it is an official legal title within the Japanese judicial hierarchy. In the Japanese legal system, particularly under the Court Act, 判事 refers specifically to judges serving in the High Courts, District Courts, and Family Courts who have attained a certain level of seniority and experience. It is a word of high prestige and authority, reflecting the solemn responsibility of interpreting the law and determining the outcomes of legal disputes that affect people's lives, liberty, and property.

Official Designation: In the Japanese judiciary, 判事 is a specific rank. While 'saibankan' is the general term for any judge, 判事 is the technical title for those who have completed their initial ten-year term as assistant judges (判事補).

You will most frequently encounter this word in news broadcasts, newspapers, and legal dramas. When a news anchor reports on a high-profile trial, they will often refer to the 'presiding judge' as saiban-cho, but the professional title of the individual is 判事. It is important to note that while English speakers might use 'judge' for everything from a courtroom official to a talent show evaluator, Japanese is much more precise. For a talent show or a sports match, you would use shimpan or shinsain, never 判事. This word is strictly reserved for the halls of justice. The weight of the word carries with it the expectation of impartiality, deep legal knowledge, and the power of the state.

その判事は公平な判決を下したことで知られている。 (That judge is known for handing down fair rulings.)

Furthermore, the term 判事 evokes a sense of the 'career judge' system prevalent in Japan. Unlike in some jurisdictions where judges are elected or appointed from the ranks of experienced private lawyers, Japanese judges typically enter the judiciary immediately after passing the bar exam and completing their training at the Legal Research and Training Institute. They begin as hanji-ho (assistant judges) and eventually promote to 判事. This career path reinforces the image of the 判事 as a neutral, bureaucratic expert who is deeply integrated into the state's legal machinery. When using this word, you are acknowledging this professional identity. It is a term that commands respect and implies a life dedicated to the rigorous application of the Civil and Penal Codes of Japan.

Social Connotation: Being a 判事 is considered one of the 'Three Legal Professions' (法曹三者 - hōsō sansha) in Japan, alongside prosecutors (検察官) and lawyers (弁護士).

In summary, 判事 is the go-to word when you are discussing the official role of a judge in a professional, legal, or journalistic context. It bridges the gap between the general concept of 'judging' and the specific, high-level office held by those who lead the Japanese courts. Whether you are reading a complex legal brief or watching a suspenseful courtroom anime, recognizing 判事 will help you identify the ultimate authority figure in the scene—the one whose final word determines the fate of the accused and the resolution of the conflict.

Using 判事 (hanji) correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of its role as a formal noun. Because it describes a person and a profession, it often acts as the subject or the object of a sentence involving legal actions. For beginners, the simplest way to use it is with the copula desu to identify someone's profession. For example, 'He is a judge' becomes Kare wa hanji desu. However, as you progress, you will see it paired with specific verbs that describe judicial duties, such as kiku (to listen/hear a case), handan suru (to judge/decide), or iiwatasu (to pronounce a sentence).

ベテランの判事がこの難しい事件を担当することになった。 (A veteran judge has been assigned to handle this difficult case.)

In this example, 判事 is modified by the adjective-noun phrase beteran no (veteran). This is a common pattern where you describe the qualities of the judge. You might use kibishii (strict), kouhei na (fair), or yuumei na (famous). Another crucial grammatical point is how to address a judge. While 判事 is the title, in a courtroom, they are often addressed as Saiban-cho (Presiding Judge) if they are the head of the panel, or simply by their name plus the title, like Sato-判事. In writing, especially in legal reports, 判事 is the standard term used to refer to the individual members of the judicial panel.

Common Verb Pairings: 判事が～を務める (The judge serves as...), 判事が～を言い渡す (The judge pronounces [a sentence]), 判事が～を却下する (The judge dismisses [a motion]).

When discussing the actions of a judge, you will often use the particle ni to indicate the person the judge is interacting with, or wo for the decision they are making. For instance, 'The judge asked the witness a question' would be Hanji wa shounin ni shitsumon shita. Notice how the word remains stable; it doesn't change form because it is a noun. The complexity of the sentence comes from the surrounding legal vocabulary. If you are describing a judge's ruling, you might say Hanji no handan wa tadashii (The judge's judgment is correct). Here, the possessive particle no links the judge to their decision.

Another interesting usage is in the plural. Japanese doesn't typically mark plurals, so 判事 can mean one judge or many judges. To specify a group, you might say hanji-tachi or use a counter like sannin no hanji (three judges). In the Supreme Court of Japan, the judges are specifically called Saiko-saibansho-hanji. This specificity is key in Japanese. Using 判事 correctly shows that you understand the formal structures of society. It is a 'stiff' word, suitable for essays, news reports, and formal discussions, but it would feel out of place in a very casual chat about a 'judge' on a cooking show.

若き判事は、証拠を慎重に検討した。 (The young judge carefully examined the evidence.)

Finally, consider the passive voice. 'The decision was made by the judge' is Hanketsu wa hanji ni yotte kudasareta. Using ni yotte (by) is a common way to attribute legal actions to the 判事. By mastering these patterns, you can discuss the Japanese legal system with clarity and precision, ensuring your Japanese sounds natural and appropriately formal for the subject matter.

While you might not hear 判事 (hanji) in a casual conversation at a coffee shop, it is an incredibly common word in specific spheres of Japanese life. The most prominent place is the nightly news (ニュース). Japan has a high interest in legal proceedings, especially those involving social issues or major crimes. When a verdict is reached, the reporter will often stand outside the courthouse and say, 'The 判事 has just handed down the ruling.' The word provides an immediate sense of gravity and officialdom to the report. If you are watching NHK or reading the Asahi Shimbun, you will see 判事 used to describe the individuals who make up the court's panel.

Media Presence: Legal dramas (リーガルドラマ) are a staple of Japanese television. Shows like 'Hero' or '99.9 Criminal Lawyer' frequently feature characters who are judges, and the word 判事 is used constantly to refer to their rank and duties.

Another place you will hear this word is in educational settings. Students studying for the shihou shiken (the bar exam) live and breathe this word. It represents one of the three career paths they can take. In university law lectures, professors will discuss the 'opinions of the 判事' (hanji no iken) when analyzing past legal cases. This academic usage is precise and technical. If you ever visit a Japanese court as an observer (which is open to the public), you will see the word 判事 on nameplates or in the official court schedule posted in the lobby.

今日のニュースで、その最高裁判事の経歴が紹介されていた。 (In today's news, the career history of that Supreme Court judge was introduced.)

The word also appears in historical contexts. When discussing the post-war reforms of the Japanese legal system, historians talk about the changing role of the 判事. Before the war, judges were part of the Ministry of Justice; after the war, they became part of an independent judiciary. This distinction is vital for understanding modern Japan. You might also hear the word in political debates regarding the 'national review' (kokumin shinsa) of Supreme Court judges, where citizens vote on whether a 判事 should remain in their position during general elections.

Daily Life Intersection: While rare for the average person to meet one, the word 判事 might come up if someone is called for 'Saiban-in' (Lay Judge) duty, as they will be working alongside professional 判事.

In summary, 判事 is a word that signals you are entering the world of law, government, and high-stakes decision-making. It is found in the news, on the screen, in textbooks, and in the very architecture of the Japanese government. Even if you aren't a lawyer, hearing this word instantly tells you that the topic is serious, formal, and involves the final word of the law.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 判事 (hanji) is using it too broadly. In English, the word 'judge' is used for many things: a judge in court, a judge at a dog show, or a judge in a talent competition. In Japanese, 判事 is *only* for the courtroom. If you use 判事 to describe a judge on 'MasterChef,' a Japanese person will be very confused, as it sounds like a high-ranking legal official is suddenly evaluating a beef wellington. For non-legal contexts, use shinsain (judge/examiner) or shimpan (umpire/referee).

Mistake 1: Over-generalization: Wrong: コンテストの判事 (Kontesuto no hanji). Correct: コンテストの審査員 (Kontesuto no shinsain).

Another common point of confusion is the difference between 判事 and saibankan. While they both mean 'judge,' they are used differently. Saibankan is a general term for any judicial officer, including Supreme Court justices and summary court judges. 判事 is a specific professional rank. Think of it like the difference between 'medical doctor' (general) and 'attending physician' (specific rank). For beginners, saibankan is often safer, but 判事 is what you will see in official documents and news reports. Using them interchangeably is usually okay in casual speech, but in a legal context, the distinction matters.

❌ 彼は野球の判事です。 (Incorrect: He is a baseball 'judge'.)
✅ 彼は野球の審判です。 (Correct: He is a baseball umpire.)

Learners also sometimes struggle with the level of formality. 判事 is a very formal word. If you are talking to a friend about a judge you saw on TV, you might use the more common saibankan-san or just saibankan. Using 判事 in a very casual setting can make you sound like you're reading from a textbook. It's not 'wrong,' but it affects the 'color' of your speech. Additionally, be careful with the kanji. The first character han (判) looks similar to other characters like ban (坂 - slope) or ita (板 - board). Make sure you write the 'knife' radical (刂) on the right side correctly.

Mistake 2: Addressing the Judge: If you are actually in a court, do not shout 'Hanji!' to get their attention. Use 'Saiban-cho' (Mr./Ms. Presiding Judge).

Lastly, don't confuse 判事 with hanji (the same reading but different kanji like 判示, which means 'judicial decision/expression'). While they sound the same, the context usually makes it clear, but in written Japanese, the distinction is vital. Always look for the 'matter/business' character (事) to ensure you are talking about the person holding the office.

When exploring the world of Japanese law and decision-making, you will encounter several words that are close in meaning to 判事 (hanji). Understanding the nuances between them will greatly improve your vocabulary precision. The most common alternative is 裁判官 (saibankan). As mentioned before, this is the umbrella term for all judges. While every 判事 is a saibankan, not every saibankan has the rank of 判事. If you are unsure which to use, saibankan is the safer, more general choice for 'judge.'

判事 vs. 裁判官: 判事: A specific professional rank in the judiciary (District/High/Family courts).
裁判官: The general job title for anyone who presides over a trial.

Another word is 判事補 (hanji-ho). This refers to an 'Assistant Judge.' In Japan, newly appointed judges must serve as assistant judges for ten years before they can be promoted to the full rank of 判事. Assistant judges generally cannot make decisions alone; they must sit on a panel of three judges. If you are reading a detailed news report about a young judge, you might see this specific title used. It highlights the seniority-based nature of the Japanese judicial system.

彼は判事ではなく、まだ判事補として経験を積んでいる。 (He is not a full judge yet; he is still gaining experience as an assistant judge.)

For non-legal contexts, the words change completely. 審査員 (shinsain) is used for judges at competitions, such as an art contest, a music festival, or a reality TV show. This word implies someone who 'examines' and 'evaluates.' If you are talking about sports, you use 審判 (shimpan), which translates to 'referee' or 'umpire.' Using 判事 in a baseball game would be quite comical, as it would imply the umpire is going to issue a 5-year prison sentence for a strike-out!

Other Related Terms: 裁判員 (Saiban-in): Lay judges (citizens chosen to participate in serious criminal trials).
法官 (Hōkan): An older, more classical term for a judicial official, rarely used in modern daily life.

Lastly, consider 裁定者 (saiteisha), which means 'arbiter' or 'decider.' This is a more abstract word used when someone is mediating a dispute outside of a formal court, like a manager deciding between two employees. While 判事 is tied to the state and the law, saiteisha is tied to the act of resolving a conflict. By choosing the right word from this set, you demonstrate a high level of linguistic and cultural competence.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the early Meiji period, the title was sometimes applied to executive officials who also held judicial powers, before the strict separation of powers was established in the modern Constitution.

Pronunciation Guide

UK ˈhændʒi

US ˈhɑːndʒi

The stress is even across both syllables in Japanese (flat pitch), but in English loanword usage, the first syllable might be slightly emphasized.

Rhymes With

Kanji (Chinese characters) Sanji (disaster) Tanji (short-term) Manji (swastika symbol) Ranji (orange - archaic) Ganji (Ganges) Banji (all things) Shinji (divine ritual)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ji' as 'zi'. It should be a clear 'j' sound.
Stretching the 'a' sound too long. It is a short vowel.
Confusing the pitch accent; it usually starts low and goes high.
Mixing up the 'n' sound with a full English 'n' that touches the teeth too hard.
Pronouncing 'han' like 'hand' without the 'd'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are N2 level, but the word itself is common in news.

Writing 4/5

The character '判' requires careful stroke order.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward.

Listening 2/5

Easy to distinguish in formal speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

裁判 (Saiban - Trial) 法律 (Houritsu - Law) 人 (Hito - Person) 仕事 (Shigoto - Work) 正しい (Tadashii - Correct)

Learn Next

弁護士 (Bengoshi - Lawyer) 検察官 (Kensatsukan - Prosecutor) 被告 (Hikoku - Defendant) 証拠 (Shouko - Evidence) 有罪 (Yuuzai - Guilty)

Advanced

違憲 (Iken - Unconstitutional) 控訴 (Kousou - Appeal) 棄却 (Kiyaku - Dismissal) 陪審員 (Baishinin - Juror) 判例 (Hanrei - Precedent)

Grammar to Know

Noun + として (As a...)

判事として、彼は公平に振る舞った。 (As a judge, he acted fairly.)

Verb stem + に行く (Go to do...)

判事に会いに行きます。 (I'm going to see the judge.)

Passive Voice (~reru/rareru)

判事に叱られた。 (I was scolded by the judge.)

Honorifics (~san/sama)

判事様、お聞きください。 (Mr./Ms. Judge, please listen.)

Potential Form (~eru/rareru)

彼なら良い判事になれる。 (He can become a good judge.)

Examples by Level

彼は有名な判事です。

He is a famous judge.

Uses the simple 'A wa B desu' pattern.

判事が来ました。

The judge has arrived.

Uses the subject particle 'ga' with a simple verb.

判事はどこですか？

Where is the judge?

A basic question using 'doko desu ka'.

あの人は判事ですか？

Is that person a judge?

A basic yes/no question.

判事は話します。

The judge speaks.

Simple subject-verb sentence.

これは判事の本です。

This is the judge's book.

Uses the possessive particle 'no'.

判事は厳しいです。

The judge is strict.

Uses an i-adjective to describe the noun.

私は判事になりたいです。

I want to become a judge.

Uses the '~ni naritai' (want to become) construction.

判事はその男の人に質問しました。

The judge asked that man a question.

Uses 'ni' to indicate the person being asked.

新しい判事が明日来ます。

A new judge will come tomorrow.

Uses 'atarashii' (new) to modify 'hanji'.

判事は静かに座っています。

The judge is sitting quietly.

Uses the '~te iru' form for a state/action.

判事の仕事は大変です。

A judge's job is difficult.

Topic is 'hanji no shigoto'.

判事は法律をよく知っています。

The judge knows the law well.

Uses 'yoku' (well) with 'shitte imasu'.

テレビで判事を見ました。

I saw a judge on TV.

Uses 'de' for the location of the action.

判事は公正でなければなりません。

A judge must be fair.

Uses '~nakereba narimasen' (must be).

若い判事がこの事件を担当します。

A young judge will handle this case.

Uses 'tantou suru' (to be in charge of).

判事は証拠を詳しく調べました。

The judge examined the evidence in detail.

Uses 'kuwashiku' (in detail) to modify the verb.

その判事は十年の経験があります。

That judge has ten years of experience.

Uses 'keiken' (experience) with 'aru'.

判事は被告人の話を最後まで聞きました。

The judge listened to the defendant's story until the end.

Uses 'saigo made' (until the end).

判事の判断によって、結果が変わります。

The result changes depending on the judge's judgment.

Uses '~ni yotte' (depending on).

彼は判事としての誇りを持っています。

He takes pride in being a judge.

Uses '~toshite no' (as a...).

判事は法廷で静粛を求めました。

The judge called for silence in the courtroom.

Uses 'seishuku' (silence) and 'motomeru' (demand).

多くの人がその判事の意見に賛成した。

Many people agreed with that judge's opinion.

Uses 'ni sansei suru' (to agree with).

判事は法律に基づいて判決を下した。

The judge handed down a ruling based on the law.

Uses '~ni motozuite' (based on).

判事は弁護人の異議を却下した。

The judge overruled the defense's objection.

Uses 'igi' (objection) and 'kyakka suru' (dismiss/overrule).

担当判事は、慎重な審理を約束した。

The presiding judge promised a careful trial.

Uses 'tantou hanji' (the judge in charge).

判事は、目撃者の証言に矛盾があると考えた。

The judge thought there was a contradiction in the witness's testimony.

Uses 'mujun' (contradiction).

その判事は、数々の難事件を解決してきた。

That judge has resolved numerous difficult cases.

Uses '~te kita' to show a continued action over time.

判事は法と良心に従って判断を下す。

A judge makes decisions according to the law and their conscience.

Uses '~ni shitagatte' (according to).

判事の独立性は憲法によって保障されている。

The independence of judges is guaranteed by the Constitution.

Uses 'dokuritsusei' (independence) and 'hoshou' (guarantee).

判事は、被告人に反省の色が見られないと指摘した。

The judge pointed out that the defendant showed no signs of remorse.

Uses 'hansei no iro' (signs of remorse).

その判事は、社会的な影響を考慮して判決を出した。

The judge issued a ruling considering the social impact.

Uses 'kouryo shite' (considering).

判事は、既存の判例を覆す画期的な判断を示した。

The judge showed a groundbreaking judgment that overturned existing precedents.

Uses 'hanrei wo kutsugaesu' (overturn precedents).

判事の補足意見には、法的な論点が整理されていた。

In the judge's supplementary opinion, the legal points were organized.

Uses 'hosoku iken' (supplementary opinion).

判事は、プライバシーの権利と公共の利益を天秤にかけた。

The judge weighed the right to privacy against the public interest.

Uses 'tenbin ni kakeru' (to weigh/balance).

判事は、検察側の主張には合理的な疑いがあると結論づけた。

The judge concluded that there was reasonable doubt in the prosecution's claim.

Uses 'gouriteki na utagai' (reasonable doubt).

判事の罷免を求める国民審査が行われた。

A national review was held to seek the dismissal of the judge.

Uses 'himen' (dismissal/impeachment) and 'kokumin shinsa'.

判事は、被告人の成育環境を情状酌量の余地として認めた。

The judge recognized the defendant's upbringing as a factor for leniency.

Uses 'joujou shakuryou' (extenuating circumstances).

判事は、憲法違反の疑いがある条文の解釈を保留した。

The judge reserved the interpretation of the article suspected of being unconstitutional.

Uses 'horyu suru' (to reserve/put on hold).

判事の職務執行における中立性は、司法の根幹である。

Neutrality in the execution of a judge's duties is the foundation of the judiciary.

Uses 'shokumu shikkou' (execution of duties) and 'konkan' (foundation).

判事は、法の支配を貫徹するために、政治的圧力に屈しなかった。

The judge did not yield to political pressure in order to uphold the rule of law.

Uses 'kantetsu suru' (to carry through/uphold) and 'kusshinai' (not yield).

判事の緻密な論理構成は、法曹界全体から高く評価されている。

The judge's meticulous logical structure is highly evaluated by the entire legal community.

Uses 'chimitsu na ronri kousei' (meticulous logical structure).

判事は、法の文言の背後にある立法趣旨を深く洞察した。

The judge gained deep insight into the legislative intent behind the wording of the law.

Uses 'rippou shushi' (legislative intent) and 'dousatsu suru' (to insight).

判事は、条約の解釈において国際的な潮流を考慮に入れるべきだと論じた。

The judge argued that international trends should be taken into account in the interpretation of treaties.

Uses 'kokusaiteki na chouryuu' (international trends).

判事の退官に際し、その長年の功績を称える式典が催された。

Upon the judge's retirement, a ceremony was held to honor their many years of achievement.

Uses 'taikan ni sai shi' (upon retirement).

判事は、実体法と手続法の整合性を図るために苦慮した。

The judge struggled to ensure consistency between substantive law and procedural law.

Uses 'seigousei wo hakaru' (to ensure consistency) and 'kuryo suru' (to struggle/toil).

判事の罷免訴追は、三権分立の観点から極めて慎重に行われるべきである。

The prosecution for dismissal of a judge should be conducted extremely carefully from the perspective of the separation of powers.

Uses 'himen sotsui' (prosecution for dismissal) and 'sanken bunritsu'.

判事は、未曾有の事態に対し、法の欠缺を補填する解釈を導き出した。

In response to an unprecedented situation, the judge derived an interpretation that filled the gaps in the law.

Uses 'mizou no jitai' (unprecedented situation) and 'kenketsu wo hoten suru' (to fill gaps).

Synonyms

裁判官裁判長審判官法官ジャッジ

Antonyms

被告人原告

Common Collocations

判事を務める

ベテランの判事

判事の判断

判事に任命される

判事の罷免

担当判事

判事の良心

判事の職務

判事の経歴

判事の署名

Common Phrases

判事になる

— To become a judge. Refers to the career goal of law students.

彼は判事になるために猛勉強している。

判事を呼ぶ

— To call the judge. Usually in a legal or administrative context.

至急、当直の判事を呼んでください。

判事の宣告

— The judge's pronouncement. The moment a sentence is delivered.

判事の宣告に、法廷内が静まり返った。

判事の交代

— A change of judges. When a judge is replaced during a trial.

判事の交代により、審理が遅れた。

判事の質問

— The judge's question. Direct questioning from the bench.

判事の質問に、被告は言葉を詰まらせた。

判事の許可

— The judge's permission. Necessary for certain courtroom actions.

判事の許可を得て、証拠を提示する。

判事の独断

— A judge's arbitrary decision. Often used in a critical context.

それは判事の独断ではないかという批判がある。

判事の威厳

— The dignity/authority of a judge. The solemn aura they maintain.

その判事は、法廷で素晴らしい威厳を保っていた。

判事の意見書

— A judge's written opinion. A formal document explaining a ruling.

判事の意見書を読み込む。

判事の視点

— A judge's perspective. Looking at a case from a neutral, legal angle.

判事の視点から事件を再考する。

Often Confused With

判事 vs 裁判官 (Saibankan)

Saibankan is the general term for 'judge'; Hanji is a specific professional rank.

判事 vs 審判 (Shimpan)

Shimpan is an umpire or referee in sports, never a legal judge.

判事 vs 審査員 (Shinsain)

Shinsain is a judge for a contest or competition (e.g., music or art).

Idioms & Expressions

"判事の虫"

— A person who is overly obsessed with judicial details or legal technicalities.

彼は判事の虫と言われるほど、過去の判例に詳しい。

Informal/Jargon

"法の下の平等"

— Equality under the law. A principle upheld by every judge.

判事は常に法の下の平等を守らなければならない。

Formal

"良心に従う"

— To follow one's conscience. A core tenet of judicial independence.

判事は外部の圧力に屈せず、自らの良心に従うべきだ。

Formal

"法の番人"

— Guardian of the law. Often used to describe judges, especially Supreme Court ones.

判事は「法の番人」として、憲法を守る役割がある。

Metaphorical

"筆を折る"

— To stop writing/retire. Can be used for a judge retiring from writing opinions.

その名判事は、定年を迎え筆を折った。

Literary

"白黒つける"

— To decide between right and wrong. The fundamental task of a judge.

判事は証拠に基づいて、事件に白黒つけた。

Common/Idiomatic

"鉄槌を下す"

— To bring down the hammer/to punish. Describes a judge delivering a harsh sentence.

判事は悪質な犯罪者に対して、正義の鉄槌を下した。

Dramatic

"口を酸っぱくする"

— To repeat something many times. A judge might do this regarding court rules.

判事は静粛にするよう、口を酸っぱくして言った。

Common

"雲の上の存在"

— Someone in the clouds/out of reach. How many people view high-ranking judges.

最高裁の判事は、一般市民にとっては雲の上の存在だ。

Common

"身を律する"

— To discipline oneself. Judges must maintain high moral standards.

判事は私生活においても厳しく身を律する必要がある。

Formal

Easily Confused

判事 vs 判示 (Hanji)

Exactly the same pronunciation.

判示 means 'judicial decision' or 'to state/point out in a ruling,' while 判事 is the person (judge).

判事が～と判示した。 (The judge ruled that...)

判事 vs 監事 (Kanji)

Similar pronunciation and ending.

監事 refers to an auditor or inspector in a company or organization.

協会の監事に就任する。

判事 vs 幹事 (Kanji)

Same pronunciation as the word for 'organizer'.

幹事 is the person in charge of organizing a party or event.

飲み会の幹事をやる。

判事 vs 判士 (Hanshi)

Very similar sound and kanji structure.

判士 is an obsolete term for certain types of officials, not used in modern law.

歴史小説に出てくる判士。

判事 vs 範士 (Hanshi)

Same pronunciation.

範士 is the highest rank/title in martial arts like Kendo or Kyudo.

剣道範士の称号。

Sentence Patterns

[Person] は判事です。

田中さんは判事です。

[Adjective] 判事が [Verb]。

厳しい判事が怒った。

判事は [Noun] を [Verb]。

判事は証拠を確認した。

判事に [Verb-Passive]。

判事に質問された。

判事としての [Noun]。

判事としての責任を果たす。

判事による [Noun] の [Noun]。

判事による法の厳格な適用。

判事になるために [Verb]。

判事になるために勉強する。

判事の [Noun]。

判事の机。

Word Family

Nouns

裁判官 (Saibankan - Judge)

司法 (Shihou - Judiciary)

判決 (Hanketsu - Verdict)

判断 (Handan - Judgment)

Verbs

判断する (Handan suru - To judge/decide)

判決を下す (Hanketsu wo kudasu - To deliver a verdict)

裁判する (Saiban suru - To try a case)

Adjectives

判事的な (Hanjiteki na - Judge-like/Judicial)

裁判上の (Saibanjou no - Judicial/Forensic)

弁護士 (Bengoshi - Lawyer)

検察官 (Kensatsukan - Prosecutor)

法廷 (Houtei - Courtroom)

法律 (Houritsu - Law)

六法 (Roppou - The Six Codes)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in media and legal contexts; rare in casual daily life.

Common Mistakes

Using 判事 for a talent show judge. → 審査員 (Shinsain)
判事 is strictly for legal courtrooms. Using it for a talent show sounds like the judge has the power to arrest the contestants.
Confusing 判事 (Hanji) with 幹事 (Kanji). → 判事 (Hanji)
幹事 (Kanji) is someone who organizes a party. 判事 (Hanji) is a judge. Don't ask a judge to organize your birthday dinner!
Using 判事 as a verb. → 判断する (Handan suru)
判事 is a noun (a person). You cannot say 'I will hanji this.' You should say 'I will handan this.'
Addressing a judge as 'Hanji' in court. → 裁判長 (Saiban-cho)
In a formal courtroom setting, the presiding judge is addressed by their role: Saiban-cho.
Writing the kanji 判 with the wrong radical. → 判 (with 刂)
Sometimes learners write it with a different radical, which changes the meaning entirely. Always include the 'knife' radical.

Tips

Context is King

Only use 判事 in legal or formal news contexts. For anything else, look for synonyms like 'shinsain' or 'shimpan'.

Noun Status

Remember that 判事 is a noun. To describe the action of judging, use the verb 'handan suru' or 'saiban suru'.

Right Radical

The right side of 判 is '刂' (knife). Think of the judge 'cutting' through lies to find the truth.

Respect the Title

In Japan, judges are highly respected civil servants. Use the word with a tone of formality.

Suffix Clues

If you hear a name followed by -hanji, it's a title. This is common in news reports.

Compound Power

Learn 判事補 (assistant judge) at the same time to understand the career path of a Japanese judge.

Avoid Slang

Using 判事 in a slangy way is rare. Stick to formal or neutral registers.

Visual Aid

Associate the 'Han' in Hanji with the 'Han' in 'Hanko' (seal). Judges seal the fate of the trial.

Drama Watch

Watch Japanese legal dramas to hear the word used in its natural, high-stakes environment.

Check Saibankan

If you find 判事 too specific, use 裁判官 (saibankan). It's more versatile for general conversation.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Han' (Seal/Stamp) used on a 'Ji' (Job/Matter). The judge stamps the job done with their decision.

Visual Association

Visualize a judge's wooden gavel hitting a large red 'Han' (stamp) onto a legal document.

Word Web

Court Law Gavel Black Robe Verdict Justice Trial Evidence

Challenge

Try to use '判事' in a sentence describing your favorite legal drama character. Then, explain why they are a 'hanji' and not a 'shinsain'.

Word Origin

The term '判事' originated in the late 19th century during the Meiji Restoration when Japan began modernizing its legal system based on European models. The kanji were chosen to represent the function of the office.

Original meaning: The characters 判 (judgment/seal) and 事 (affair/matter) were combined to mean 'official in charge of judgment affairs.'

Sino-Japanese (Kango). It uses kanji characters adopted from Chinese but combined in a Japanese legal context.

Cultural Context

Always use 'Hanji' or 'Saibankan' with respect. The judiciary is a highly esteemed pillar of Japanese society.

English speakers often use 'Judge' as a title (Judge Judy, Judge Smith). In Japan, 'Hanji' is used similarly as a title suffix (Sato-hanji).

Hero (Japanese TV drama featuring prosecutors and judges) Gyakuten Saiban (Ace Attorney video games) The Supreme Court of Japan (located in Chiyoda, Tokyo)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Courtroom Trial

判事の入廷です (The judge is entering)
判事の質問に答える (Answer the judge's question)
判事の許可を得る (Get the judge's permission)
判事が判決を読み上げる (The judge reads the verdict)

News Reporting

担当判事のコメント (Comment from the judge in charge)
判事の経歴を紹介する (Introduce the judge's background)
判事の判断が注目される (The judge's decision is attracting attention)
ベテラン判事の起用 (Appointing a veteran judge)

Legal Education

判事を目指して勉強する (Study to become a judge)
判事の役割を学ぶ (Learn the role of a judge)
判事の意見を分析する (Analyze a judge's opinion)
判事補の任期 (Term of an assistant judge)

Political Discussion

判事の罷免権 (The power to dismiss a judge)
判事の政治的立場 (A judge's political stance)
判事の任命プロセス (The appointment process for judges)
最高裁判事の国民審査 (National review of Supreme Court judges)

Historical Analysis

明治時代の判事 (Judges of the Meiji era)
判事制度の変遷 (The evolution of the judge system)
戦前の判事の権限 (Powers of judges before the war)
歴史に名を残す判事 (A judge who left their name in history)

Conversation Starters

"将来、判事になりたいと思ったことはありますか？ (Have you ever thought about wanting to become a judge in the future?)"

"日本の判事とあなたの国の裁判官の違いは何だと思いますか？ (What do you think are the differences between Japanese judges and judges in your country?)"

"最近のニュースで、印象に残っている判事の判決はありますか？ (Is there any judge's ruling that left an impression on you in recent news?)"

"裁判員制度についてどう思いますか？判事と一緒に判断するのは難しいでしょうか？ (What do you think about the lay judge system? Would it be difficult to judge alongside a professional judge?)"

"リーガルドラマに出てくる判事のキャラクターで、好きな人はいますか？ (Is there a judge character in a legal drama that you like?)"

Journal Prompts

もし自分が一日だけ判事になったら、どのような事件を裁いてみたいですか？その理由も書いてください。 (If you were a judge for just one day, what kind of case would you want to preside over? Write the reason as well.)

公正な判事にとって、最も大切な資質は何だと思いますか？誠実さ、知識、それとも慈悲の心でしょうか。 (What do you think is the most important quality for a fair judge? Integrity, knowledge, or a heart of mercy?)

判事がAIに取って代わられる日は来ると思いますか？そのメリットとデメリットを考えてみましょう。 (Do you think the day will come when judges are replaced by AI? Let's consider the merits and demerits.)

あなたが知っている有名な裁判や判事について、日本語で説明してみてください。 (Try to explain in Japanese about a famous trial or judge that you know.)

法律を守ることと、自分の良心に従うこと、判事ならどちらを優先すべきだと思いますか。 (Protecting the law versus following one's conscience—which do you think a judge should prioritize?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

裁判官 (saibankan) is the broad, general term for any judge in any court. 判事 (hanji) is a specific rank for judges who have completed ten years of service as assistant judges. In the news, they are often used interchangeably, but 判事 is more technically precise for certain court levels.

No. For sports, you must use 審判 (shimpan). Using 判事 would make it sound like a legal trial is happening on the baseball field.

You should address them as 裁判長 (saiban-cho) if they are the presiding judge, or use their name plus -hanji (e.g., Tanaka-hanji). Simply shouting 'Hanji!' is considered rude.

While the concept is simple, the kanji and the specific legal context make it more of an N2/N3 level word in proficiency tests. However, it's essential for anyone interested in Japanese news or law.

It means 'Assistant Judge.' In Japan, newly appointed judges are called 判事補 (hanji-ho) for their first ten years of service.

Yes, there are many female judges (女性判事 - josei hanji) in Japan, and their numbers have been increasing steadily over the years.

No, Japanese judges wear simple black robes (法服 - houfuku) but do not wear wigs.

You must pass the extremely difficult national bar exam, complete training at the Legal Research and Training Institute, and then be appointed by the Cabinet.

Yes, especially in courtroom dramas like 'Ace Attorney' or 'Death Note' (where legal systems are discussed).

No, 判事 is not a common family name. It is almost exclusively used as a professional title.