Translation and Meaning of: 裁判 - saiban

The Japanese word 裁判[さいばん] is a term that arouses curiosity both for its legal meaning and for its presence in cultural and media contexts. If you've ever watched a Japanese drama or read news about Japan's legal system, you've probably come across this expression. In this article, we will explore what 裁判 means, how it is used in everyday Japanese, and some interesting peculiarities about its origin and usage. Whether you are learning Japanese or simply have an interest in the language and culture, this content will help you better understand this word.

In addition to uncovering the meaning of 裁判, we will cover its writing in kanji, practical usage examples, and even how it appears in different social contexts. Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, provides precise and detailed information for those who want to master the language. Shall we get started?

Meaning and use of 裁判[さいばん]

裁判 is a Japanese word that means "judgment" or "court." It is used to refer to legal proceedings, whether civil, criminal, or istrative. In Japan, the legal system has its own characteristics, and 裁判 is a key term to understand how justice works in the country. Unlike words like 審判[しんぱん] (which can mean "arbitration" in sports contexts), 裁判 is directly related to the legal domain.

A common example is the expression 裁判にかける (saiban ni kakeru), which means "to bring to trial." This construction appears frequently in news and debates about legal cases. Another relevant use is 裁判所[さいばんしょ] (court), which directly derives from 裁判. If you are studying Japanese for academic or professional purposes, knowing this word is essential for discussions about laws and justice.

Origin and writing in kanji

The word 裁判 is composed of two kanji: 裁 (sai), which means "to judge" or "to cut," and 判 (han), which can mean "decision" or "seal." Together, they form a term that conveys the idea of a formal judgment. It's interesting to note that the kanji 裁 also appears in words like 裁断[さいだん] (cut of fabric) and 制裁[せいさい] (sanction), showing its relation to the idea of decision and separation.

From a historical point of view, the use of 裁判 dates back to the Edo period, when the Japanese judicial system began to structure itself in a more formal way. However, the word gained even more relevance after Japan's modernization during the Meiji period, when the country adopted Western influences in its legal system. Today, it is widely used in official documents, news reports, and even in everyday discussions about justice.

Curiosities and usage in Japanese culture

One interesting fact about 裁判 is its presence in Japanese dramas and films that depict legal cases. Series like "Legal High" and "HERO" popularized legal , including this word. Additionally, in mangas and animes with police or suspense themes, 裁判 frequently appears in courtroom scenes, showcasing how the Japanese legal system is represented in fiction.

Another interesting aspect is that, although 裁判 is a formal word, it can also be used in lighter contexts. For example, in discussions among friends about who should pay the bill, someone might joke saying "これは裁判が必要だ" (kore wa saiban ga hitsuyou da – "this needs a judgment"). This type of informal usage, however, is less common and is usually done in a humorous way.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 審判 (Shinpan) - Judgment or decision of an umpire in a sporting event or competition.
• 法廷 (Houtei) - Court, the room where judges hear legal cases.
• 裁定 (Saitei) - Decision or judgment, usually made by an arbitrator or judge.
• 裁決 (Saiketsu) - Official decision or ruling after judgment, with emphasis on legal and istrative issues.
• 裁量 (Sairyou) - Discretion, the freedom of a judge or authority to make decisions.
• 裁判所 (Saibansho) - Court, the institution that conducts legal proceedings.
• 裁判官 (Saibankan) - Judge, the person who makes decisions in court.
• 裁判員 (Saiban'in) - Jurors, citizens involved in decision-making in trials.
• 裁判制度 (Saiban seido) - Judicial system, the structure and functioning of the judiciary.
• 裁判手続き (Saiban tetsuzuki) - Judicial process, the legal procedures that must be followed in a court.
• 裁判記録 (Saiban kiroku) - Judicial records, documents that record the progress and decisions of a case.
• 裁判費用 (Saiban hijou) - Judicial costs, expenses related to the legal process.
• 裁判判決 (Saiban hanketsu) - Judicial sentence, the final decision pronounced by a judge.
• 裁判所判決 (Saibansho hanketsu) - Court ruling, specifically for decisions rendered in courts.
• 裁判所手続き (Saibansho tetsuzuki) - Court procedures, rules and procedures that govern the operation of the courts.
• 裁判所記録 (Saibansho kiroku) - Court records, documents that store information about the cases handled by the court.
• 裁判所費用 (Saibansho hijou) - Court costs, expenses associated with the functioning of the court.