罰

• Reading: ばつ
• Romaji: batsu
• Kanji breakdown: 罰 (batsu/bachi) — punishment, penalty, retribution
• Pronunciation: /ba.tsɯ/

Meaning

Punishment; penalty; retribution. A consequence imposed for wrongdoing.

A noun with two common readings: ばつ (secular punishment, penalty) and ばち (divine retribution, karma). 罰を受ける means to receive punishment, while 罰が当たる means to suffer divine retribution. Also used in the compound 罰金 (fine).

Examples

1. ルールを破ったら罰を受ける。 If you break the rules, you'll be punished.
2. そんなことをしたら罰が当たるよ。 If you do something like that, you'll get what's coming to you.
3. 子供に厳しい罰を与えるのはよくない。 It's not good to give children harsh punishments.

Usage Guide

Context: law, daily life, religion

Tone: serious

Origin & History

The kanji 罰 combines 罒 (net radical) and 詈 (to scold) with 刂 (knife), suggesting being caught and punished. It has been used since ancient Chinese texts.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal