鉄拳(てっけん)

てっけん
noun
iron fist; clenched fist; punch
1. iron fist; hard punch; a blow with a clenched fist
Literally 'iron fist'. Refers to a powerful punch or blow with the fist. Used figuratively for forceful, authoritarian control or discipline.
鉄拳(てっけん)制裁(せいさい)を加(くわ)える。
To deliver iron-fisted punishment.
その指導者(しどうしゃ)は鉄拳(てっけん)で国(くに)を治(おさ)めた。
The leader ruled the country with an iron fist.
かつては体罰(たいばつ)として鉄拳(てっけん)が用(もち)いられることもあったが、今では許容(きょよう)されない。
In the past, physical punishment with the fist was sometimes used, but it is no longer acceptable today.

Compound of 鉄(てつ) (iron) + 拳(けん) (fist). Used both literally (a powerful punch) and figuratively (harsh, domineering control).

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 鉄拳(てっけん)制裁(せいさい): iron-fisted punishment; a blow as punishment
  • 鉄拳(てっけん)を振(ふ)るう: to swing an iron fist; to use force
  • 鉄拳(てっけん)で治(おさ)める: to rule with an iron fist
  • 鉄拳(てっけん)制裁(せいさい)を食(く)らう: to receive a punch as punishment

NOTE: 鉄拳(てっけん)制裁(せいさい) is the most common fixed compound — physical punishment as a form of discipline, now generally considered unacceptable.

general
Added 2026.6.10 2:37 · Revised 2026.6.16 21:23
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