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B1 verb #1,500 most common 8 min read

判断

panduan Top 1,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 判断 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 判断 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '判断' (pànduàn) often. Instead, you might use simpler words like '看' (kàn - look/see) or '觉得' (juéde - feel/think). However, you might see '判断' in very simple classroom exercises, like '判断对错' (judge right or wrong). At this stage, just remember that '判断' means deciding if something is correct. You can think of it as a 'Yes/No' button in your head. For example, if you see a picture of an apple and the word says 'Banana,' you '判断' that it is wrong. It's a very basic logical step. You don't need to worry about complex sentences yet. Just recognize the characters and know they relate to making a choice about truth.

At the A2 level, you can start using '判断' in simple sentences about facts. You might say '我看他的衣服，判断他是学生' (I look at his clothes and judge he is a student). This is a bit more advanced than just saying 'I think.' It shows you are looking at evidence (the clothes). You will also see this word more in your Chinese textbooks, especially in the instructions for homework. If a teacher asks you to '判断' something, they want you to look at the information provided and give a clear answer. You should also learn the phrase '判断力' (pànduànlì), which means the ability to judge things. Even at A2, you can say someone has '好的判断力' (good judgment).

At the B1 level (your current level!), '判断' becomes a very important tool for expressing logic. You are now moving beyond simple facts to more complex situations. You can use '判断' to talk about people's intentions, the weather, or business situations. For example, '根据目前的市场情况，我们很难判断未来的房价' (Based on current market conditions, it's hard for us to judge future house prices). Notice the use of '根据' (according to) here—this is a classic B1 structure. You should also be able to distinguish '判断' from '决定' (to decide) and '认为' (to think). At this level, you are expected to use '判断' to show that your opinion is based on some kind of analysis or observation, not just a random feeling.

At the B2 level, you should use '判断' with more nuance and in more formal contexts. You might discuss '主观判断' (subjective judgment) versus '客观判断' (objective judgment). You can use it to analyze literature, news, or professional data. For example, '他在关键时刻做出了果断的判断' (He made a decisive judgment at a critical moment). Here, '果断' (decisive) adds a layer of description to the act of judging. You will also encounter '判断' in more abstract discussions about philosophy or social issues. You should be comfortable using it as a noun in complex sentences, such as '这种判断缺乏事实依据' (This kind of judgment lacks factual basis). Your ability to use '判断' correctly will show that you can handle logical arguments in Chinese.

At the C1 level, '判断' is used to discuss sophisticated logic and professional expertise. You might use it in legal, medical, or scientific discussions where the '判断' is a formal conclusion. You will also learn more advanced synonyms and related idioms. For example, you might talk about '价值判断' (value judgment) in a sociological context. You can use the word to critique someone's reasoning: '你的判断过于片面' (Your judgment is too one-sided). At this level, you are not just using the word; you are analyzing the quality of the judgment itself. You should be able to use it in written essays to build a logical case, using phrases like '由此可以判断' (From this, it can be judged that...) to link your evidence to your conclusion.

At the C2 level, your use of '判断' should be indistinguishable from a native speaker. You will understand its use in classical-style formal Chinese and in highly specialized fields. You can use it to discuss the nuances of human intuition versus algorithmic '判断' in AI. You might use it in a rhetorical way or within complex metaphors. For example, '历史会对这一时期的政策做出公正的判断' (History will make a fair judgment on the policies of this period). You will also be familiar with how '判断' interacts with subtle emotional tones—sometimes a '判断' can be cold and clinical, and other times it can be a sign of deep wisdom. At C2, you have mastered not just the word, but the entire logical framework it represents in the Chinese language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

判断 in 30 Seconds

判断 (pànduàn) is a B1-level Chinese verb and noun meaning 'to judge' or 'judgment,' used to describe reaching a conclusion based on evidence.
It is commonly used in academic, professional, and daily life contexts to express logical reasoning rather than just emotional opinions.
Key structures include using '根据' (according to) to state evidence and '做出判断' (to make a judgment) as a formal phrase.
It differs from '决定' (deciding an action) and '认为' (holding an opinion), focusing specifically on the analytical process of determining truth.

The word 判断 (pànduàn) is a cornerstone of Chinese logic and daily interaction. At its core, it refers to the mental act of 'judging' or 'determining.' In the Chinese linguistic tradition, the character 判 (pàn) originally related to dividing or distinguishing, while 断 (duàn) meant to break or cut off, implying a final decision. Together, they form a powerful verb that describes the process of looking at a complex situation and 'cutting through' the confusion to reach a clear conclusion.

Cognitive Process: It involves taking sensory input or data and applying logic to categorize it. For example, judging if a fruit is ripe or if a person is telling the truth.
Objective vs. Subjective: While it can be used for subjective opinions, it often carries a weight of evidence-based reasoning, making it more formal than just 'thinking' (觉得).

我们需要根据事实来做出准确的判断。(We need to make an accurate judgment based on the facts.)

Example of usage in a formal context.

When you use this word, you are signaling that you have gone through a thought process. It is not a snap emotion. If you are a doctor, you '判断' a disease. If you are a referee, you '判断' a foul. If you are a friend, you '判断' if someone is feeling sad. This versatility makes it one of the most useful B1-level verbs to master.

从他的表情来看，我判断他并不高兴。(Judging from his expression, I concluded he wasn't happy.)

Usage in Technology: In computer science, '判断语句' refers to conditional statements (if-else), showing how the word implies a binary or logical choice.

In summary, '判断' is about the intersection of evidence and decision. It is the bridge between what we see and what we know to be true. Whether in a courtroom, a laboratory, or a coffee shop conversation, it provides the linguistic tool to express a reasoned conclusion.

Using 判断 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility. It can function as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it often takes a clause or a noun phrase as its object. As a noun, it frequently appears with '做出' (to make) or '有' (to have).

Structure 1: Verb + Object: Subject + 判断 + [Situation/Truth]. Example: 我无法判断谁是对的 (I cannot judge who is right).
Structure 2: As a Noun: Subject + 做出 + 判断. Example: 经理做出了最后的判断 (The manager made the final judgment).

你的判断非常准确。(Your judgment is very accurate.)

One key aspect of '判断' is the source of the judgment. You often use the preposition '根据' (according to) or '从...来看' (judging from...) to set the stage. This provides the 'evidence' part of the definition. Without evidence, '判断' can feel a bit too strong or formal.

In professional settings, '判断' is often paired with adverbs like '初步' (preliminary), '误' (mistakenly), or '正确' (correctly). This allows for nuanced descriptions of professional expertise. For instance, a doctor might make a '初步判断' (preliminary diagnosis/judgment) before running more tests.

医生判断他只是感冒了。(The doctor judged that he just had a cold.)

Collocation: 判断力: This means 'judgment power' or 'discernment.' Example: 他缺乏基本的判断力 (He lacks basic judgment).

Finally, remember that '判断' is a neutral word. It doesn't imply the judgment is good or bad until you add an adjective. It is the process itself that is being highlighted. Mastering this word allows you to move from simple descriptions to analytical discussions in Chinese.

You will encounter 判断 in a wide variety of environments, from the high-stakes atmosphere of a courtroom to the casual environment of a sports bar. It is a word that bridges the gap between formal logic and everyday common sense.

In Education: Teachers often use '判断题' (pànduàntí), which are True/False questions. You'll hear: '请判断下列句子的对错' (Please judge whether the following sentences are right or wrong).
In Sports: Commentators talk about a player's '判断.' For example, a goalkeeper's '判断' on where the ball will go is crucial for a save.

裁判的判断引起了观众的不满。(The referee's judgment caused dissatisfaction among the audience.)

In the workplace, '判断' is used during performance reviews or project evaluations. Managers will assess if a '判断' was sound or if it led to a mistake. It's also common in news reports when discussing government policies or international relations, where experts '判断' the potential outcomes of a situation.

In daily life, you might hear it when people are debating. '你怎么判断这件事？' (How do you judge this matter?) is a common way to ask for someone's reasoned opinion. It invites a deeper response than just 'what do you think?'

根据天气预报，我判断明天会下雨。(Based on the weather forecast, I judge it will rain tomorrow.)

From scientific journals to social media debates about 'red flags' in relationships, '判断' is the go-to word for expressing the result of an analytical process. It suggests that the speaker is not just guessing, but is using some form of criteria to reach their conclusion.

While 判断 is a versatile word, learners often trip up on its specific nuances compared to similar verbs. Understanding these pitfalls will help you sound more like a native speaker.

Mistake 1: Confusing with '决定' (Decision): Learners often say '我判断去北京' (I judge to go to Beijing). This is incorrect. You should use '决定' (juédìng) for actions. '判断' is for identifying a state or truth.
Mistake 2: Overusing it for simple opinions: Saying '我判断这个菜很好吃' (I judge this dish is delicious) sounds overly formal and slightly robotic. Use '觉得' (juéde) or '认为' (rènwéi) for personal tastes.

我判断他是好人。 (Too formal for a simple feeling)
应该说：我觉得他是好人。

Another common error is the placement of the word in a sentence. '判断' usually comes after the evidence or the subject. Some learners try to use it as an adjective directly before a noun without the proper particle '的', such as '判断错误' (judgment error) which is a set phrase, but '判断人' is incorrect; you should say '有判断力的人' (a person with judgment).

不要急着下判断。(Don't rush to a judgment.)

Finally, be careful with '判断' in legal vs. casual contexts. In legal contexts, it is very specific. In casual contexts, if you use it too much, you might sound like you are 'judging' people in a negative way (though Chinese usually uses '评价' or '指手画脚' for that specific social behavior). Keep '判断' for logical conclusions and you'll be safe.

To truly master 判断, you must see how it sits in the family of words related to thinking and deciding. Chinese has many subtle variations for 'judging' or 'thinking.'

判断 vs. 认为 (rènwéi): '认为' is 'to think/hold the opinion that.' It is more about your stance. '判断' is about the logical process of reaching that stance based on evidence.
判断 vs. 决定 (juédìng): As mentioned before, '决定' is about action (deciding to do something). '判断' is about truth (deciding if something is true).
判断 vs. 判定 (pàndìng): '判定' is more formal and final, often used in legal or official contexts (e.g., a court's ruling). '判断' is more general and can be used for personal logic.

对比：
1. 我判断他生病了。(Based on symptoms)
2. 我认为他应该休息。(My opinion/advice)

Another word to consider is '辨别' (biànbié), which means 'to distinguish' or 'to differentiate.' While '判断' is about reaching a conclusion, '辨别' is specifically about seeing the difference between two similar things (like real and fake). Often, you need to '辨别' the facts before you can '判断' the situation.

我们需要辨别真假，才能做出正确的判断。

By understanding these differences, you can choose the word that precisely fits your intent. Use '判断' when you want to emphasize the logical step from evidence to conclusion.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Resultative complements (e.g., 判断出)

Conditional clauses (e.g., 如果...就判断...)

Prepositional phrases with '根据'

Nominalization with '的'

Adverbial modification

Examples by Level

请判断对错。

Please judge right or wrong.

Simple imperative sentence.

这是对的判断吗？

Is this a correct judgment?

Using '判断' as a noun.

我不判断。

I don't judge.

Simple negation.

他判断很快。

He judges very quickly.

Subject + Verb + Adverb.

你的判断是对的。

Your judgment is correct.

Possessive + Noun + Adjective.

我不能判断。

I cannot judge.

Using the modal verb '能'.

老师判断我的作业。

The teacher judges my homework.

Subject + Verb + Object.

这个判断很简单。

This judgment is very simple.

Demonstrative + Noun + Adjective.

根据天气，我判断会下雨。

Based on the weather, I judge it will rain.

Using '根据' to show evidence.

他判断那个人是医生。

He judged that person to be a doctor.

Verb taking a clause as an object.

你需要自己做判断。

You need to make the judgment yourself.

Using '做' with '判断'.

我们无法判断谁赢了。

We cannot judge who won.

Using '无法' (unable to).

他的判断力很好。

His judgment is very good.

Using the noun '判断力'.

请根据图片做出判断。

Please make a judgment based on the picture.

Formal instruction style.

我不确定我的判断是否正确。

I'm not sure if my judgment is correct.

Using '是否' (whether or not).

这个判断对他很重要。

This judgment is very important to him.

Prepositional phrase '对...重要'.

从他的语气来看，我判断他在生气。

Judging from his tone, I judge he is angry.

Using '从...来看' structure.

在没有证据的情况下，不要随便下判断。

In the absence of evidence, don't jump to conclusions.

Using '下判断' (to cast/make a judgment).

医生需要通过检查来判断病情。

Doctors need to judge the condition through examinations.

Using '通过...来' (through... to).

这种判断完全是主观的。

This kind of judgment is completely subjective.

Using the adjective '主观' (subjective).

我们需要准确判断市场的需求。

We need to accurately judge market demand.

Adverb '准确' modifying the verb.

他缺乏对复杂情况的判断力。

He lacks the ability to judge complex situations.

Using '缺乏' (to lack).

很难判断这个计划是否可行。

It's hard to judge whether this plan is feasible.

Using '很难' (it's hard to).

你的判断基于什么理由？

What reasons is your judgment based on?

Using '基于' (based on).

法官将根据法律条款做出最终判断。

The judge will make a final judgment based on legal clauses.

Formal legal context.

这种初步判断往往需要进一步验证。

This preliminary judgment often needs further verification.

Using '初步' (preliminary) and '验证' (verify).

他的判断受个人偏见的影响。

His judgment is influenced by personal bias.

Passive structure with '受...影响'.

在信息不全时，很难做出理性的判断。

It's hard to make a rational judgment when information is incomplete.

Using '理性的' (rational).

我们需要判断这项政策的长期影响。

We need to judge the long-term impact of this policy.

Focusing on '长期影响' (long-term impact).

这种直觉判断有时比逻辑分析更有效。

This intuitive judgment is sometimes more effective than logical analysis.

Comparing '直觉' (intuition) and '逻辑' (logic).

误判形势可能导致严重的后果。

Misjudging the situation can lead to serious consequences.

Using '误判' (misjudge) as a compound.

他以敏锐的判断力著称。

He is famous for his sharp judgment.

Using '以...著称' (famous for...).

审美判断往往具有极大的个体差异。

Aesthetic judgment often has significant individual differences.

Using '审美' (aesthetic) as a modifier.

专家们对经济走势的判断存在分歧。

There are disagreements among experts regarding the economic trend.

Using '存在分歧' (existence of disagreement).

这种判断逻辑严密，令人信服。

This judgment's logic is rigorous and convincing.

Using '逻辑严密' (logically rigorous).

我们不应仅凭第一印象就下定论，而应深入判断。

We shouldn't reach a conclusion based solely on first impressions; we should judge deeply.

Contrast between '第一印象' and '深入判断'.

该报告对风险的判断过于乐观。

The report's judgment of the risk is too optimistic.

Using '过于乐观' (overly optimistic).

历史的判断往往需要时间的沉淀。

Historical judgment often requires the passage of time.

Abstract philosophical usage.

他试图通过排除法来缩小判断范围。

He tried to narrow the scope of judgment using the process of elimination.

Using '排除法' (process of elimination).

这种价值判断植根于深厚的文化传统。

This value judgment is rooted in deep cultural traditions.

Using '植根于' (rooted in).

在纷繁复杂的国际局势中，保持清醒的判断至关重要。

In the complex international situation, maintaining a clear judgment is crucial.

Using '至关重要' (crucial).

他的言论被视为一种对道德底线的判断。

His remarks were seen as a judgment on the moral bottom line.

Passive '被视为' (be seen as).

这种直觉与理性的博弈构成了人类判断的本质。

The game between intuition and rationality constitutes the essence of human judgment.

Highly abstract and philosophical.

法律判断必须摒弃一切个人情感的干扰。

Legal judgment must discard all interference from personal emotions.

Using '摒弃' (to discard/reject).

他对此事的判断表现出极高的前瞻性。

His judgment on this matter showed an extremely high level of foresight.

Using '前瞻性' (foresight).

我们必须警惕算法判断中可能存在的隐形偏见。

We must be wary of potential invisible biases in algorithmic judgments.

Modern technical/ethical context.

这种判断并非空穴来风，而是有着深厚的实证基础。

This judgment is not without foundation, but has a deep empirical basis.

Using the idiom '空穴来风' (unfounded).

在宏大的历史叙事中，个人的判断往往显得微不足道。

In the grand historical narrative, individual judgments often seem insignificant.

Using '微不足道' (insignificant).

Synonyms

断定判定推断评估辨别

Antonyms

犹豫盲从

Common Collocations

做出判断 (make a judgment)

准确判断 (accurate judgment)

初步判断 (preliminary judgment)

主观判断 (subjective judgment)

客观判断 (objective judgment)

判断能力 (judgment ability)

判断标准 (judgment criteria)

错误判断 (wrong judgment)

形势判断 (judgment of the situation)

逻辑判断 (logical judgment)

Common Phrases

判断题 (True/False questions)

下判断 (to cast a judgment)

失去判断力 (to lose one's judgment)

缺乏判断 (lack of judgment)

根据事实判断 (judge based on facts)

难以判断 (hard to judge)

个人判断 (personal judgment)

职业判断 (professional judgment)

最后的判断 (final judgment)

直觉判断 (intuitive judgment)

Often Confused With

判断 vs 决定 (Decision for action)

判断 vs 认为 (Subjective opinion)

判断 vs 觉得 (Feeling/Simple thought)

Idioms & Expressions

"当机立断 (dāng jī lì duàn) - to make a prompt decision"

"明辨是非 (míng biàn shì fēi) - to distinguish right from wrong"

"独具慧眼 (dú jù huì yǎn) - to have exceptional insight/judgment"

"见微知著 (jiàn wēi zhī zhù) - to judge the whole from a small part"

"料事如神 (liào shì rú shén) - to predict/judge things with divine accuracy"

"真伪莫辨 (zhēn wěi mò biàn) - unable to judge real from fake"

"是非曲直 (shì fēi qū zhí) - the rights and wrongs of a matter"

"审时度势 (shěn shí duó shì) - to judge the timing and situation"

"自以为是 (zì yǐ wéi shì) - to consider oneself always right (bad judgment)"

"先入为主 (xiān rù wéi zhǔ) - first impressions dominate judgment"

Easily Confused

判断 vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

Logic

Implies a step-by-step reasoning process.

Certainty

Usually implies a higher level of certainty than '猜' (guess).

Common Mistakes

Using '判断' instead of '决定' for future actions.
Using '判断' for personal taste (e.g., judging if food is tasty).
Forgetting to use '的' when '判断' is a noun modified by an adjective.
Confusing '判断' with '估计' (estimation).
Using '判断' without any supporting evidence in formal contexts.

Tips

Verb vs Noun

Remember that '判断' can be both. If you use it as a noun, pair it with '做出' (zuòchū) to sound more natural. For example, '做出一个准确的判断' is better than just '判断一个准确的判断'.

Evidence First

Whenever you use '判断', try to include the reason why. Use '根据...' (based on...) to start your sentence. This makes your logic clear and your Chinese sound more structured and professional.

The 'Duan' Family

Notice that '断' (duàn) appears in '决定' (decide) and '判断' (judge). Both involve 'cutting' through uncertainty to reach a result. Learning this connection helps you remember the 'decisive' nature of these words.

Softening Judgments

If you don't want to sound too harsh, use '我初步判断...' (My preliminary judgment is...). This shows you are open to new information and aren't being overly stubborn with your opinion.

Formal Reports

In formal writing, '判断' is preferred over '觉得'. If you are writing a business report or a school essay, use '判断' to introduce your conclusions to give them more weight and authority.

Test Keywords

In HSK listening tests, if you hear '判断', pay close attention to the details that follow. The question will likely ask you to verify a specific fact mentioned in the dialogue or passage.

Wisdom and Judgment

In Chinese, a person with '判断力' is often respected as being wise. It's not just about intelligence, but about the ability to see the truth. Use this word to compliment someone's insight.

Binary Logic

Think of '判断' as a binary choice: Is it A or B? Is it true or false? This helps distinguish it from '评价', which is more about giving a detailed review or score.

Tone Clarity

Since both characters are 4th tone, make sure to drop your voice sharply on both. If you mumble the tones, it might be confused with other words. Clear 4th tones convey the decisiveness of the word.

Don't use for actions

Never say '我判断去超市'. Use '决定' for actions. '判断' is only for determining facts or states. This is the most common mistake for English speakers.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Cultural Context

Students are trained from a young age to do '判断题' (True/False), emphasizing binary logic.

The word is central to the '法院' (court) and '法官' (judge).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"你如何判断一个人的性格？"

"你觉得AI的判断比人类更准确吗？"

"在工作中，你最难做出的判断是什么？"

"根据你的判断，明天的天气会怎么样？"

"你认为第一印象对判断一个人重要吗？"

Journal Prompts

写一次你做出错误判断的经历。

描述一个你认为具有极强判断力的人。

讨论在信息爆炸的时代，如何保持独立的判断。

你认为判断力是可以后天培养的吗？为什么？

分析一个你最近做出的重要判断。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, you can judge a person's character or intentions, but it sounds more like an analysis than a personal feeling. For example, '判断他是一个诚实的人' implies you've seen evidence of his honesty. It is a formal way of evaluating someone's traits.

It is a True/False question commonly found in Chinese tests. You are given a statement and must '判断' if it is correct (对) or incorrect (错). It is one of the first ways students encounter the word in a practical setting.

It is neutral. A judgment can be '准确' (accurate) or '错误' (wrong). The word itself simply describes the process of evaluation. However, in some social contexts, being 'judgmental' is expressed by other words like '爱评价人'.

You can say '主观判断' (subjective judgment) or '根据经验做出的判断' (judgment based on experience). There isn't a single direct idiom, but '做出决定' or '下判断' often covers the meaning depending on the context.

Absolutely. Scientists '判断' the results of experiments based on data. It is a very common word in scientific papers and technical reports to describe the conclusion of a study or the identification of a phenomenon.

'判定' is more definitive and often carries official weight, like a '判定' in a sports game or a court ruling. '判断' is more general and can be used for everyday logical conclusions. '判定' is the final 'ruling,' while '判断' is the 'judgment'.

Yes, this means 'My judgment is very poor.' It is a common way to admit you are not good at reading situations or making logical decisions. It is a very natural and grammatically correct sentence.

Yes, '判断语句' (pànduàn yǔjù) refers to conditional statements like 'if-else'. The computer 'judges' if a condition is met and then executes the corresponding code. This shows the word's strong link to binary logic.

You can say '判断[something]是否[correct/true]'. For example, '判断这个消息是否真实' (Judge whether this news is true). This is a very common and useful B1-level sentence structure.

'误判' (wùpàn) is a specific verb meaning 'to misjudge.' It is commonly used in sports (a bad call by a referee) or in legal contexts (a wrongful conviction). It combines '误' (error) and '判' (judge).