Korean Dictionary
How to say "Judge" in Korean
“Judge” in Korean is 판사 (pronounced "Pansa").
판사
Pansa
Usage & Context
A person who presides over a court and makes legal decisions. Korean judges are appointed through a rigorous selection process and must have legal training.
Example Sentence
판사는 법에 따라 판결했습니다.
The judge ruled according to the law.
How to use 판사 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Judge” is 판사, romanized as Pansa.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 판사.
Pronunciation Guide
'판사' (Pansa) sounds like 'pahn-sah'. '판' (pan) is like 'pahn' in 'panther' but shorter. '사' (sa) is like 'sah' in 'Sahara' without the 'ra'. The 's' in '사' is a soft 's' sound.
More Example Sentences
Describing a judge's reputation and qualities.
그 판사는 공정하고 현명한 판결로 유명합니다.
That judge is known for fair and wise rulings.
Explaining the traditional path to becoming a judge in Korea.
판사가 되려면 사법고시를 통과해야 합니다.
To become a judge, one must pass the judicial examination.
Referencing the portrayal of judges in K-dramas.
드라마에서 판사 역할은 항상 인기가 많아요.
Judge roles are always popular in dramas.
Cultural Context
Judges ('판사') hold a highly respected and authoritative position in Korean society. They are often portrayed in K-dramas (e.g., 'Law School,' 'Hyena') as figures of justice, sometimes grappling with ethical dilemmas or political pressure. The path to becoming a judge in Korea is extremely competitive, historically involving passing the rigorous '사법고시' (judicial examination), though the system has recently transitioned to law school and bar exams.
Editorial note
We review entries like 판사 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
판사님
Your Honor (addressing a judge)
판사 임용
appointment of a judge
재판장 판사
presiding judge
Related Expressions
변호사
byeonhosa
Lawyer
검사
geomsa
Prosecutor
재판관
jaepangwan
Judge (more formal, often for higher court judges)
판결
pangyeol
Verdict, ruling
More Law & Government Words
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