Translation guide
The English verb 'punish' covers a range of actions from formal legal penalties to informal scolding or imposing consequences. In Japanese, the best choice depends on who is punishing whom, the severity, and the context.
To impose a penalty for a crime or offense, typically by authorities.
The most direct equivalent for formal punishment, used in legal and official contexts.
The law punishes criminals severely.
To punish or penalize, often used in official or disciplinary contexts.
The company has a policy of punishing misconduct.
Literally 'to give punishment', used in formal or legal discussions.
The judge imposed punishment on the defendant.
To correct a child's or student's behavior through scolding or mild consequences.
To scold or tell off, the most common word for parental or educational discipline.
The mother scolded her child.
To discipline or teach a lesson, often with a nuance of making someone regret their actions.
To punish, often used in a domestic or playful context, or in fiction for 'discipline'.
Bad kids get punished.
To give a penalty for a rule violation in a game or competition.
To cause harm or suffering in return for a wrongdoing, often with a sense of vengeance.
To suffer consequences naturally or through self-imposed hardship.
English 'punish' is often used lightly (e.g., 'I'll punish you for being late'). In Japanese, using 罰する in such contexts sounds overly harsh. Use 叱る or a playful phrase like お仕置きする instead.
罰する is for formal, legal, or serious punishment. 叱る is for scolding or disciplining someone in a personal relationship. Do not use 罰する for a parent scolding a child unless it's severe.
He was punished for his crime.
The teacher punished the noisy students.
If you break the rules, you'll be punished.
To punish a student who misbehaved.