jing4 fat6刑罰刑罚
Jyutpingjing4 fat6
Yaleyìhng faht
Definition
Penalty or punishment for an offense, especially for a criminal.
neutralother
How it's used
Used primarily in legal or formal contexts, this term refers specifically to state-imposed sanctions for criminal acts. While it carries a serious tone, it is the standard term in news reports and court proceedings to describe sentencing. It is distinct from general discipline or scolding, which would use terms like 懲罰 or 責罰.
Examples
He broke the law and must accept the punishment.
How will the judge decide on this type of punishment?
Related words
Common phrases
to mitigate punishment
to increase punishment
Common mistake
Avoid using this word for minor infractions or personal discipline, such as a child being punished by a parent, as it sounds overly heavy and strictly judicial.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
