Translation guide
The English word "judgement" covers several distinct meanings, from official legal decisions to personal opinions and the ability to make good choices. Japanese uses different words and expressions for each nuance.
A formal ruling made by a court, judge, or authority.
The standard term for a court ruling or verdict in a trial.
裁判官は被告に無罪の判決を下した。
The judge handed down a verdict of not guilty for the defendant.
The verb phrase meaning "to pass judgement" or "to hand down a ruling."
最高裁は来月、判決を下す予定だ。
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hand down its ruling next month.
Refers to the trial or court proceedings, but can also mean the judgement itself in context.
裁判の結果に不満だ。
I'm dissatisfied with the outcome of the trial.
An assessment or conclusion about someone or something, often subjective.
Broadly means "judgement" as in making a decision or forming an opinion based on available information.
彼の判断は正しかった。
His judgement was correct.
最終的な判断はあなたに任せます。
I'll leave the final judgement to you.
Closer to "evaluation" or "assessment," often used when judging quality, performance, or worth.
Means "opinion." In some contexts, "in my judgement" can be translated as 私の意見では.
The mental faculty of discerning wisely; good sense.
Specifically means "judgement" as a personal ability or power of discernment.
彼は判断力に優れている。
He has excellent judgement.
経験を積んで判断力を養う。
Gain experience and develop your judgement.
Implies prudence, discretion, and mature judgement, often in social or moral contexts.
Means "good sense" or "sound judgement," often used in formal contexts.
The act of judging someone negatively; passing critical judgement.
Means "criticism" or "judging negatively." Often used when someone passes judgement on another's actions.
他人を批判する前に、自分を振り返るべきだ。
Before you pass judgement on others, you should reflect on yourself.
Stronger than 批判, meaning "blame" or "condemnation."
Religious or mythological concept of God's judgement or the Last Judgement.
Used for divine judgement, the Last Judgement, or a decisive judgement in sports (referee's decision).
最後の審判の日を信じている。
I believe in the day of the Last Judgement.
Often used in religious contexts for God's judgement, but can also mean trial or verdict.
A referee's or umpire's decision.
Used for a judge's or referee's decision in sports, contests, or examinations.
審判の判定に選手が抗議した。
The player protested the referee's judgement.
Loanword from English, commonly used in sports and casual contexts.
そのジャッジは微妙だった。
That judgement was questionable.
判断 is the most general term for personal judgement or decision-making. 判定 is used for official decisions in sports, contests, or tests. 判決 is strictly a legal verdict.
The English phrase "pass judgement" can mean to criticize. In Japanese, 判決を下す is only for legal rulings. For criticizing, use 批判する or 非難する.
あなたの判断を信頼しています。
I trust your judgement.
The judgement of his work performance is high.
In my judgement, that plan won't work.
彼は分別のある人だ。
He is a man of good judgement.
良識ある判断が求められる。
Sound judgement is required.
His actions drew harsh judgement.
God's judgement is unavoidable.