1.
whip, riding crop
A flexible instrument used for striking, especially in horseback riding. Also used figuratively to mean harsh discipline or urging.
馬に鞭を入れる。
To whip a horse.
鞭を打って馬を走らせた。
I struck with the whip and made the horse run.
子どもの教育には飴と鞭のバランスが大切だと言われている。
It's said that a balance of carrot and stick is important in raising children.
飴と鞭 literally means 'candy and whip' — the Japanese equivalent of 'carrot and stick.'
鞭 refers to a whip or riding crop. Used both literally (especially in horseback riding) and figuratively to mean harsh discipline or pushing someone hard.
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 鞭を入れる: to whip; figuratively, to spur on or push harder
- 鞭を打つ: to strike with a whip
- 飴と鞭: carrot and stick (literally 'candy and whip')
- 鞭を振るう: to crack the whip, to exercise strict control
FIGURATIVE USE:
鞭を入れる is very commonly used figuratively. 自分に鞭を入れる means to push oneself harder.
KANJI:
The kanji 鞭 is uncommon in everyday writing. The word is often written in hiragana as むち.