Japanese meaning of 判断が遅い

Reading:
はんだんがおそい (Handan ga osoi.)

English Translation:

Your judgment is too slow.

Scene & Cultural Context

Scene Context:


Sakonji Urokodaki sternly criticizes Tanjiro, teaching quick decision-making and responsibility.

Cultural Context:


In Japanese mentorship contexts, stern, direct criticism is culturally acceptable and seen as caring or constructive guidance. Often quoted humorously as a meme for slow decisions.


Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

•「判断」(handan) = judgment/decision-making
•「遅い」(osoi) = slow, used critically to indicate insufficient speed or decisiveness

Trap for English Speakers

The phrase can seem overly blunt or harsh in English. In Japanese, direct criticism from mentors or seniors can indicate constructive concern rather than just negativity.

Example

Basic Example

プレゼン中に資料を出すのが遅れた部下に対して、上司が静かに。「判断が遅い」

“Your judgment was too slow.” (said by a boss after a delayed action in a meeting)


Applied Example

友人がレアアイテム購入を迷って完売したあとに皮肉で。「判断が遅い」

“Your decision was too slow.” (teasing a friend who missed a rare item sale)