Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 罰 | batsu | [ba̠t͡ɕi] (narrow) [ba̠t͡sɨ] (narrow) |
| 刑罰 | keibatsu | [ke̞ːba̠t͡sɨ] (narrow) |
| 処罰 | shobatsu | [ɕo̞ba̠t͡sɨ] (narrow) |
The term 罰 is the most general and common way to say punishment, applicable to both casual and serious contexts. For more specific nuances, other terms like 刑罰 or 処罰 are used depending on whether the context is legal or disciplinary.
Which one should you use?
While 罰 is a general term for punishment, 刑罰 is used specifically to refer to legal punishments or penal sentences. 処罰 is a formal term used when referring to the act of an authority administering a penalty or a disciplinary measure. Additionally, the term 体罰 specifically means corporal punishment, combining 体 (body) and 罰 (punishment).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
罰 is used in both casual and serious contexts. For formal or technical legal contexts, use 刑罰 to refer to criminal penalties or 処罰 when discussing the administration of disciplinary actions. In an informal or friendly setting, especially when talking about children or minor disciplinary actions, you might use お仕置き.
How do you pronounce it?
batsu
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, the concept of 'social punishment' is often expressed through 村八分, referring to a traditional form of ostracism where a village ignores a resident except for emergencies.
- The term 罰 is used in the common Japanese idiom 罰当たり (batsu-atari) to describe someone doing something sacrilegious or disrespectful to the gods or ancestors. It literally describes an action that 'hits' or 'strikes' the punishment.
- When playing games or participating in friendly competitions, a penalty might be referred to as 罰ゲーム (batsu geemu). This is a very common loanword phrase used in Japanese variety shows to describe lighthearted forfeits.
Examples in context
- 私は体罰には断固反対です。I'm firmly opposed to corporal punishment.This sentence is useful for expressing opposition to corporal punishment using 罰.Tatoeba #3052679 by tommy_san, translation #3054269 by WestofEden
- 個人的には体罰は必要悪だと思っています。Personally, I think that corporal punishment is a necessary evil.This sentence is useful for discussing corporal punishment as a necessary evil using 罰.Tatoeba #3014644 by tommy_san, translation #3052512 by WestofEden
- 何人も、拷問又は残虐な、非人道的な若しくは屈辱的な取扱若しくは刑罰を受けることはない。No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.This sentence is useful for discussing the legal prohibition of cruel punishment using 罰.Tatoeba #691641 by arihato, translation #554648 by jakov
- 刑罰は犯罪の抑制と更生を重視します。The punishment emphasizes crime prevention and rehabilitation.
- 懲罰は法の下で公正に適用されなければなりません。Punishment must be fairly applied under the law.
- もうお利口さんにしないとお仕置きしますよ。If you don't behave well anymore, I will punish you.
- この問題が解けなかったら、罰ゲームが待っていますよ！If you can't solve this problem, there's a punishment game waiting for you!
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A student and a teacher are discussing a rule violation.
- 大翔 Hiroto先生、僕の罰は何になりますか？Sensei, boku no batsu wa nan ni narimasu ka?Teacher, what will my punishment be?
- 結衣 Yui大翔くん、反省文を書いてください。Hiroto-kun, hanseibun o kaite kudasai.Hiroto, please write a letter of apology.
- 大翔 Hiroto罰が重すぎると思います。Batsu ga omosugiru to omoimasu.I think the punishment is too heavy.
- 結衣 Yuiルールを破ったのだから当然です。Rūru o yabutta no dakara tōzen desu.It is only natural since you broke the rules.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “punishment” translations and entries 罰, 刑罰, 処罰, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
