About
The character "刑" originates from early Chinese concepts of penal law, where it specifically denoted corporal punishment involving cutting tools. In its present structure, the character is formed by the component "开", which provides phonetic clues, and "刂", the knife radical that signifies the violent nature of the penalty. Over centuries, the semantic scope of "刑" widened from physical chastisement to encompass general legal punishments and the broader system of criminal justice.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
刑法很重要。
刑罚必须公正。
法官宣布了刑罚。
这是一起刑事案件。
如果犯罪就要接受刑罚。
他的刑期是三年。
严酷的刑罚不能杜绝犯罪。
现代刑法强调预防和改造。