Meaning
报应 refers to the concept of karmic retribution or comeuppance—when someone receives consequences (usually negative) for their past actions, especially bad deeds. It reflects the Buddhist and traditional Chinese belief that good and evil actions will inevitably be rewarded or punished, if not immediately then eventually.
Usage
Most commonly used when someone who did bad things finally faces consequences. Often appears in phrases like '这是报应' (this is karma/retribution). Can be used seriously or sometimes lightheartedly when minor bad luck follows minor wrongdoing. The word carries moral judgment and implies cosmic justice.
Examples
- 01他做了那么多坏事，现在遭报应了。, .He did so many bad things, now he's getting his comeuppance.
- 02善有善报，恶有恶报，不是不报，时候未到。, , , .Good is rewarded with good, evil with evil; it's not that there's no retribution, the time just hasn't come yet.
Characters
Common collocations
- 遭报应to suffer retribution
- 恶有恶报evil will be met with evil (consequences)
- 这是报应this is karma/retribution
- 善有善报good will be rewarded with good
Antonyms
Origin
Literally means 'repayment-response.' The concept is deeply rooted in Buddhist karma (业报) and traditional Chinese moral philosophy, where 报 implies reciprocal action and 应 suggests an appropriate response or consequence.