Translation guide
Expresses the idea of a harsh or strict penalty, often in legal, disciplinary, or moral contexts. Japanese uses specific nouns and set phrases rather than a single direct translation.
To refer to a strict or heavy punishment in legal, school, or workplace settings.
The most direct and common term for 'severe punishment,' used in formal and legal contexts.
彼は厳罰を受けた。
He received severe punishment.
違反者には厳罰が科される。
Violators will face severe punishment.
Literally 'heavy punishment,' a more descriptive phrase suitable for both formal and everyday use.
その犯罪には重い罰が必要だ。
That crime deserves severe punishment.
Emphasizes strictness; often used in disciplinary contexts like schools or companies.
規則を破った生徒には厳しい処罰が下された。
Students who broke the rules were given severe punishment.
To refer to the most severe forms of punishment, such as the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Refers specifically to the ultimate punishment, usually the death penalty. Used in legal and serious discussions.
極刑を求刑する。
To demand the death penalty.
The death penalty. More specific than 極刑 and commonly used in news and legal contexts.
To express severe punishment as a consequence from a higher power, fate, or moral order.
Heaven's punishment; divine retribution. Often used in dramatic or moralistic contexts.
悪事を働くと天罰が下る。
If you do evil, divine punishment will befall you.
Describes an act that invites divine punishment, or a person who is cursed. More colloquial and often used in admonishments.
To describe severe measures taken to maintain order, especially in organizations.
Strict measures or disciplinary action. Often used in official statements.
会社は不正に対して厳重な処置を取った。
The company took severe disciplinary action against the misconduct.
Severe sanctions; used in international relations or corporate contexts.
その国には厳しい制裁が科された。
Severe sanctions were imposed on that country.
厳罰 is a formal, compound noun often used in legal or official contexts. 重い罰 is more descriptive and can be used in everyday speech, but it is less common as a set phrase.
Directly translating 'severe punishment' as 厳しい罰 is grammatically possible but sounds unnatural. Use 厳罰 or 重い罰 instead.
The death penalty is the most severe punishment.
そんなことをすると罰当たりだよ。
You'll be punished by heaven if you do that.