惩罚 chéngfá penalty
penalty; punishment; to punish
How to remember 惩罚: 惩 to discipline + 罚 penalty = penalty.
Characters
How it is used
- To punish / a punishment (for wrongdoing): 受到惩罚 (shòudào chéngfá) to be punished, 严厉惩罚 (severe punishment).
- Stresses disciplining moral wrongdoing.
- Compare 处罚 (chǔfá, administrative/legal penalty like fines); 惩罚 carries a stronger sense of retribution for misdeeds.
Example sentences
- 您为什么惩罚他们？ Nín wèishénme chéngfá tāmen?What are you punishing them for?
- 汤姆要惩罚我。 Tāngmǔ yào chéngfá wǒ.Tom wanted to punish me.