Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.

Words Kanji Guides About

冥罰 (みょうばつ) Japanese meaning | Kotomora

冥みょう罰ばつ

also: めいばつ

みょ

う

ば

つ

Meanings

1

noun

divine punishment; retribution

Refers to punishment inflicted by a divine or supernatural power for wrongdoing; often used in religious or moral contexts.

悪あく事じを働はたらいた者ものには、いずれ冥みょう罰ばつが下くだるだろう。
Divine punishment will eventually befall those who commit evil deeds.

Written forms

冥罰
- みょうばつ
  Standard kanji form; the reading みょうばつ is more common than めいばつ.
- めいばつ
  Alternate reading; less common but still encountered.
めいばつ

Kanji

冥dark
罰penalty, punishment

Similar words

天てん罰ばつ
天罰 is more common and refers to punishment from heaven or a natural consequence, while 冥罰 emphasizes a darker, otherworldly retribution.
罰ばつ
罰 is a general term for punishment, not necessarily divine; 冥罰 specifically implies supernatural retribution.

Etymology

Composed of 冥 (dark, underworld) and 罰 (punishment). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the compound conveys the idea of punishment from the unseen or spiritual realm.