罰則

• Reading: ばっそく
• Romaji: bassoku
• Kanji breakdown: 罰 (batsu) — punishment, penalty; 則 (soku) — rule, law
• Pronunciation: /bas.so.kɯ/

Meaning

A penalty; punitive rules or sanctions established by law for violations.

A noun referring to the penalties or punishments prescribed by law or regulation. More formal and specific than 罰 (punishment). Used in legal, regulatory, and policy contexts. Often appears in phrases like 罰則を設ける (to establish penalties) and 罰則が適用される (penalties apply).

Examples

1. 違反した場合の罰則が法律で定められている。 Penalties for violations are established by law.
2. 罰則を強化することで事故を減らせるだろうか。 Could accidents be reduced by strengthening penalties?
3. この規定には罰則がないため実効性に欠ける。 This regulation lacks enforceability because there are no penalties.

Usage Guide

Context: law, regulation, policy, news

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 罰 (batsu, punishment/penalty) + 則 (soku, rule/law). Literally 'punishment rules,' describing the codified consequences for breaking regulations.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated