罰する

• Reading: ばっする
• Romaji: bassuru
• Kanji breakdown: 罰 (batsu/bachi) — punishment, penalty
• Pronunciation: /bas.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To punish; to penalize. The act of imposing a penalty or consequence for wrongdoing.

A special suru verb where する attaches directly to the kanji 罰. Conjugates as 罰する → 罰して → 罰した → 罰される. Used in legal, educational, and moral contexts. More formal than 罰を与える (to give punishment). Related: 罰 (batsu, punishment), 罰金 (bakkin, fine), 罰則 (bassoku, penalty clause).

Examples

1. 法律に違反した者は厳しく罰される。 Those who violate the law will be severely punished.
2. 親は子供を罰するべきか、話し合うべきか。 Should parents punish their children, or should they talk it out?
3. 規則を破った社員を罰することになった。 It was decided that the employee who broke the rules would be punished.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, education, ethics

Tone: serious

Origin & History

The kanji 罰 combines 罒 (a net) and 刂 (knife) with 言 (words), suggesting punishment through judgment. The する verb suffix creates the action of punishing.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal