Translation guide
Refers to historical Chinese and Japanese penal systems. The exact punishments varied by dynasty and period. In a modern context, it is a historical or literary term.
The traditional 'five punishments' of ancient China, often referenced in classical texts.
Standard term for the 'five punishments' in Chinese legal history. The specific punishments changed over time, but commonly included tattooing, cutting off the nose, cutting off a foot, castration, and death.
The five punishments of ancient China consisted of tattooing, cutting off the nose, cutting off a foot, castration, and the death penalty.
The 'five punishments' adopted in pre-modern Japan, influenced by Chinese legal codes.
In the Japanese ritsuryō system, the five punishments were: whipping, beating with a stick, penal servitude, exile, and death.
律令制における五刑は、笞、杖、徒、流、死である。
The five punishments under the ritsuryō system were whipping, beating with a stick, penal servitude, exile, and death.
Used loosely to refer to a set of five penalties, not necessarily historical.
Literal translation meaning 'five punishments'. Can be used in modern contexts when specifying a set of five penalties.
この法律では五つの刑罰が定められている。
This law stipulates five punishments.
Without context, 'five punishments' almost always refers to the historical Chinese or Japanese systems. Use 五刑 (ごけい) for these. For a generic set of five penalties, use 五つの刑罰 (いつつのけいばつ).