Translation guide
Physical punishment, especially in educational or disciplinary contexts. In Japanese, the most common term is 体罰 (たいばつ), but other expressions exist for legal, historical, or parental contexts.
The most common meaning: hitting, slapping, or physically disciplining students, athletes, or subordinates.
The standard term for corporal punishment in schools, sports, and institutional settings. Often used in discussions about banning or condemning it.
日本では体罰は法律で禁止されています。
In Japan, corporal punishment is prohibited by law.
体罰を受けた生徒がトラウマを抱えている。
Students who received corporal punishment are suffering from trauma.
Verb phrase meaning 'to inflict corporal punishment'. More formal than just 体罰する.
教師が生徒に体罰を加えることは許されない。
It is unacceptable for a teacher to inflict corporal punishment on a student.
An older, more severe term for physical punishment or chastisement, often implying beating. Can sound archaic or harsh. Used historically or in literary contexts.
昔は折檻が当たり前だった。
In the old days, corporal punishment was commonplace.
Spanking, hitting, or physically disciplining one's own child.
Also used for parental corporal punishment, especially in formal discussions about child abuse or discipline. In casual conversation, people might say 叩く (たたく) or 殴る (なぐる) instead.
親による体罰は児童虐待にあたる場合がある。
Corporal punishment by parents can constitute child abuse.
In everyday speech, Japanese speakers often describe the specific action rather than using the abstract term 'corporal punishment'. 叩く (たたく) means to hit/slap/spank, 殴る (なぐる) means to punch/beat.
子供を叩くのはよくないと思う。
I think hitting children is not good.
しつけのために子供を殴る親もいる。
Some parents hit their children for discipline.
Can be used for severe parental punishment, but sounds old-fashioned and harsh.
Punishment ordered by a court or authority, such as caning in some countries.
Can be used in a broad sense, but may need clarification. Often combined with 刑 (けい) as in 体刑 (たいけい) for judicial corporal punishment, though 体刑 is less common.
シンガポールでは体罰として鞭打ち刑が存在する。
In Singapore, caning exists as a form of corporal punishment.
Specifically refers to physical punishment as a legal penalty. Less common than 体罰 but more precise for judicial contexts.
Specifically means flogging or caning as a punishment. Use when the method is whipping.
鞭打ち刑は残酷な刑罰だ。
Flogging is a cruel punishment.
The literal translation '身体的罰' (しんたいてきばつ) is not idiomatic. Use 体罰 instead.
体罰 is the modern, neutral term for institutional or parental corporal punishment. 折檻 is older, harsher, and often implies a severe beating. Use 体罰 unless you want a literary or historical tone.
父に折檻された記憶がある。
I have memories of being beaten by my father.
In that country, corporal punishment is still practiced.