처벌
cheobeol[ˈt͡ɕʰɘ(ː)bʌ̹ɭ]
The English word 'punishment' is translated into Korean as 처벌 (cheobeol).
The term 처벌 refers to a penalty for wrongdoing.
Meaning: penalty for wrongdoing (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 처벌 refers specifically to official legal or official punishments imposed by an authority or the law, the shorter form 벌 is used more broadly for any kind of penalty or retribution. Additionally, 형벌 is a term associated with legal punishments that emphasizes the idea of retribution or recompense for a committed offense.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can turn the noun 처벌 into a verb by adding the suffix 하다 to create 처벌하다 (to punish). To express the idea of being punished or receiving punishment, you use the verb 받다 (to receive) with the object 처벌 in the form 처벌을 받다.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is [cheobeol].
Did you know?
- Korean has a specific word 반성문 for a 'reflection letter', a written punishment where the offender must write a detailed apology and self-criticism.
- In historical Korean dramas, you might hear the term 능지처참, a gruesome form of punishment known as 'death by a thousand cuts' used for high treason.
- In Korean, the concept of 'punishment' is often linked to the idea of 'fate' or 'heavenly retribution' through the term 천벌, which refers to a divine punishment.
Examples in context
- 잘못에 대한 처벌이 필요합니다.jalmote daehan cheobori piryohamnida.A punishment for the wrongdoing is necessary.
- 그는 법적 처벌을 받았습니다.geuneun beopjeok cheobeoreul badasseumnida.He received legal punishment.
- 정당한 처벌을 내려야 합니다.jeongdanghan cheobeoreul naeryeoya hamnida.A fair punishment must be handed down.
Example conversation
Minji and Jihun are discussing a news report about a crime.
- 민지 Min-ji지훈 씨, 이 뉴스 봤어요?Jihun ssi, i nyuseu bwasseoyo?Jihun, did you see this news?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 처벌이 너무 약한 것 같아요.ne, cheobeori neomu yakhan geot gatayo.Yes, I think the punishment is too weak.
- 민지 Min-ji저도 그렇게 생각해요.jeodo geureoke saenggakaeyo.I think so too.
- 지훈 Ji-hun더 강한 처벌이 있어야 해요.deo ganghan cheobeori isseoya haeyo.There should be a stronger punishment.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 처벌, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
