Translation guide
The English word 'penalty' covers a range of situations, from legal punishments and sports fouls to financial charges and figurative disadvantages. Japanese uses different words depending on the context.
A punishment imposed by law or authority for breaking a rule or law.
General word for punishment or penalty. Often used in legal and everyday contexts.
彼は罰として罰金を払った。
He paid a fine as a penalty.
Formal term for criminal punishment or penalty under law.
A severe penalty is imposed for that crime.
Refers to the act of punishing or penalizing someone, often by an authority.
Strict penalties are handed down for rule violations.
An extra fee or charge imposed for failing to meet a deadline or violating a contract.
A penalty fee for breach of contract, such as canceling a service early.
If you cancel the contract midway, a penalty fee will be charged.
A late payment penalty or interest charge, common for taxes, rent, or bills.
A fine or monetary penalty, often for legal violations like traffic offenses.
A punishment in sports for a rule violation, often giving the opposing team an advantage.
Loanword from English, widely used in many sports (soccer, rugby, etc.) for a penalty kick or foul.
He scored the penalty kick.
A foul or rule violation; the penalty itself is often implied. Used in many sports.
Penalty rules or provisions in sports or games. More formal, often written in rulebooks.
A negative result or disadvantage that comes as a consequence of an action or situation.
A price or penalty one pays figuratively, often for a mistake or choice.
He lost his health as a penalty for success.
Colloquial term for a negative consequence that comes back to you, like 'paying the price'.
Can also be used figuratively for a negative consequence, like 'divine punishment' or 'paying for one's sins'.
罰金 is a fine for legal violations (e.g., traffic tickets). 違約金 is a contractual penalty (e.g., early termination fee). 延滞金 is a late payment penalty (e.g., overdue taxes). Use the right term for the situation.
I paid a fine for a parking violation.
I broke the apartment lease and was charged a penalty fee.
My credit card payment was late and a late penalty was added.
While ペナルティ is common in sports and games, it is not typically used for legal fines or contractual penalties. Use 罰金, 違約金, or 延滞金 instead.
If you don't pay your taxes by the deadline, a late penalty will be charged.
スピード違反で罰金を取られた。
I got a fine for speeding.
そのプレーは反則と見なされ、相手にペナルティが与えられた。
The play was deemed a foul and a penalty was given to the opponent.
この競技の罰則は厳しい。
The penalties in this sport are strict.
The penalty for overdoing it is catching up with me now.
If you do bad things, you'll be punished (a penalty will befall you).