The word 裁判 is formed by combining two characters, 裁 (cái) and 判 (pàn), which both independently carry meanings related to judgment and decision. 裁, with its original connotations of cutting and tailoring, extends metaphorically to mean deciding or adjudicating, while 判 means to judge, differentiate, or rule. When placed side-by-side, their meanings merge and reinforce each other to create a single, unified concept of an official who judges and makes binding decisions, such as a referee or an umpire in sports, or a judge in a legal context.