JLPT N1

罰

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JLPT N1

Meaning and Usage

The word "罰" (ばつ) primarily means "punishment" or "penalty." It is used in both formal and informal contexts to refer to consequences imposed for wrongdoing or rule-breaking.

Common Contexts

"罰" is often used in legal, social, and game-related contexts. For example, legal penalties (罰金, fines), school punishments, or playful penalty games (罰ゲーム) among friends.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 罰を受ける: to receive a punishment
  • 罰として: as a punishment
  • 罰金 (ばっきん): fine, monetary penalty
  • 罰ゲーム: penalty game, often in a playful or social setting

Nuances

Using "罰" implies a formal or serious consequence, but it can also be used in lighthearted contexts like penalty games. It is important not to confuse "罰" with milder reprimands; "罰" usually involves a clear consequence.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "罰" with "罰する" (to punish) or with other words meaning "penalty." Remember that "罰" is a noun, so it often appears with verbs like "受ける" (to receive) or "科せられる" (to be imposed).

Example Sentences

かれはちこくしたのではつとしてそうじをさせられた。

He was made to clean as a punishment for being late.

ほうりつにいはんするときびしいばつがかせられる。

Severe penalties are imposed for breaking the law.

こどもたちはゲームのルールをやぶったらばつゲームをうける。

The children receive a penalty game if they break the game rules.