刑
Meanings
1
Refers to a legal penalty or criminal sentence. Also used as a suffix in compounds like 死刑 (death penalty) or 懲役刑 (prison sentence).
He received a sentence for theft.
I think the punishment for that crime is too severe.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉に刑を科すto impose a sentence/penalty on someone
The court sentenced the defendant to five years in prison.
- 刑を受けるto receive a sentence/punishment
He admitted his guilt and was given a sentence.
- 刑を執行するto carry out a sentence
The death penalty is carried out inside the prison.
- 刑が確定するfor a sentence to become final
The appeal was rejected, and the sentence became final.
Expressions
- 刑に処するsentence; assign a penalty