罰 — meaning in English: punishment

batsu · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for punishment

罰

batsu

保証

hoshō

会話

kaiwa

冗長性

jōchōsei

仕様

shiyō

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neutral common

Usage

The word 罰 (batsu) is often used in contexts involving rules and consequences, such as in schools or legal settings. For example, a teacher might say, 'If you break the rules, there will be a 罰 (batsu).' It's also commonly heard in discussions about sports, where players might face penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 処罰 (shobatsu), which also means 'punishment' but often refers to a formal or legal context. You might choose 罰 (batsu) in everyday conversation or when discussing personal misdeeds, while 処罰 (shobatsu) is more appropriate in legal or formal discussions.

Culture

The etymology of 罰 (batsu) is fascinating as it stems from the Old Japanese word meaning 'to punish' or 'to be punished.' In Japanese culture, the concept of punishment has deep roots in traditional practices, where it was often tied to notions of honor and societal expectations, reflecting a community's need for order and discipline.

FAQ

Q.What does 罰 (batsu) mean in English?

The word 罰 (batsu) translates to 'punishment' in English, referring to a penalty for wrongdoing or violation of rules.

Q.How is 罰 used in sentences?

You can use 罰 in sentences like '彼は遅刻したので罰を受けた' (Kare wa chikoku shita node batsu o uketa), which means 'He was punished for being late.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes with using 罰?

A common mistake is confusing 罰 (batsu) with 報酬 (hōshū), which means 'reward.' Remember that 罰 specifically refers to negative consequences for actions.

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