はん
Alternative readings: ばん
JLPT:N1
Frequency:
1

A seal or stamp used to mark documents (a hanko); used in expressions like 'to stamp' (判を押す).

Noun

Examples

契約書に判を押してください。

Please stamp (put your seal on) the contract.

この書類には会社の判が必要だ。

This document requires the company's seal.

彼は重要な決定に自ら判を押した。

He personally stamped/approved the important decision.

2

A judgment or decision (as in a court decision); often seen in expressions like 'a judgment is given' or 'to render a judgment.'

Noun

Examples

裁判でついに判が下された。

Finally, a judgment was handed down in the trial.

陪審の判が会社に不利に出た。

The jury's decision went against the company.

編集部が記事の掲載可否の判を下す。

The editorial department makes the decision on whether to publish the article.

3

A suffix indicating the size of paper or books (e.g., A-ban, B-ban referring to size formats).

NounNoun (Suffix)

Examples

この雑誌はA判で印刷されている。

This magazine is printed in A-size format.

写真集はB判の大きさだ。

The photo book is B-size.

判型を変更して再版する予定だ。

They plan to change the format size and reprint it.

Word Relationships

Synonyms