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A1 noun #21 よく出る 14分で読める

fine

上位21

At the A1 level, you only need to know that a 'fine' is money you pay when you do something wrong, like being late with a library book or parking your car in the wrong place. It is a very simple concept: you break a rule, and you must give money as a result. You will often see this word on signs in parks or on streets. For example, a sign might say 'Fine: $50' near a 'No Littering' sign. At this stage, just remember that a fine is a bad thing because you lose money. You can use simple sentences like 'I paid a fine' or 'The fine is ten dollars.' You don't need to worry about complex legal meanings yet. Just focus on the idea of a penalty for a small mistake. It is important to distinguish it from the adjective 'fine' which means 'I am okay.' If someone asks 'How are you?' and you say 'I am a fine,' it is wrong. You should say 'I am fine.' But if you say 'I have a fine,' it means you have to pay money. This is a very common word in daily life, so learning it early helps you understand rules in English-speaking countries.

At the A2 level, you should understand that a 'fine' is a specific type of monetary penalty used by authorities like the police, schools, or libraries. You should be able to use the word with basic verbs like 'pay', 'get', or 'have'. For instance, 'I got a fine for speeding' or 'She has to pay a library fine.' You should also begin to recognize that fines are for specific actions. You can use the preposition 'for' to explain why the fine was given. 'He paid a fine for parking illegally.' At this level, you might also see the word in the plural form, 'fines', when talking about multiple penalties. You should be able to read simple notices about fines in public places. For example, a notice on a bus might say 'A fine of $100 applies for smoking.' This level also requires you to understand that a fine is different from a price or a fee. A fee is for a service you want, but a fine is for something you did wrong. Knowing this difference helps you communicate more clearly in shops, offices, and when traveling. You should practice making short sentences about common rules and the fines that follow if those rules are broken.

At the B1 level, you can use the word 'fine' more flexibly and in more formal contexts. You should be familiar with common adjectives that describe fines, such as 'heavy', 'small', 'steep', or 'standard'. For example, 'The company faced a heavy fine for polluting the river.' You should also understand the verb 'to impose', which is often used with 'fine'. 'The government imposed a new fine on plastic bag usage.' At this level, you can discuss the reasons behind fines and whether you think they are fair. You might use 'fine' in the context of news stories or workplace rules. You should also be aware of the passive voice: 'A fine was issued to the driver.' This is common in official letters or reports. You should be able to explain the difference between a fine and other types of penalties, like community service or a warning. Your vocabulary should include phrases like 'overdue fine', 'traffic fine', and 'on-the-spot fine'. You can also start to use 'fine' in conditional sentences: 'If you don't return the book, you will have to pay a fine.' This shows a better grasp of how the word fits into more complex grammatical structures and real-life scenarios.

At the B2 level, you should have a comprehensive understanding of 'fine' as a legal and administrative term. You should be able to use more sophisticated collocations like 'levy a fine', 'incur a fine', or 'waive a fine'. For example, 'The council decided to waive the fine due to the resident's financial hardship.' You should also understand how 'fine' is used in corporate and environmental law. You can discuss the effectiveness of fines as a deterrent for criminal behavior. At this level, you should be comfortable using the word in professional writing, such as reports or formal emails. You might analyze the impact of 'record fines' on a company's stock price or reputation. You should also understand the nuance between a 'fine' and a 'civil penalty' or 'statutory fine'. Your ability to use 'fine' should extend to idiomatic or semi-idiomatic expressions, and you should be able to explain the historical or social reasons why certain fines exist. You can also handle the word in debates about social justice, such as whether fines unfairly target low-income individuals. This level requires a high degree of precision in both word choice and grammatical application, ensuring that 'fine' is used correctly in varied and challenging contexts.

At the C1 level, your use of the word 'fine' should be precise and nuanced, reflecting an understanding of its role within complex legal and regulatory frameworks. You should be able to discuss 'punitive fines' versus 'compensatory fines' and understand the philosophical underpinnings of using financial penalties as a form of justice. You should be familiar with high-level vocabulary related to fines, such as 'pecuniary penalties', 'fiscal sanctions', and 'administrative mulcts'. You can use the word in academic or legal writing to describe the 'imposition of fines' as a mechanism for regulatory compliance. For instance, 'The regulatory body's decision to levy a multi-million dollar fine serves as a clear signal to the industry.' You should also be able to interpret and use the word in the context of international law and treaty violations. At this level, you can explore the subtle differences in how 'fine' is used across different English-speaking jurisdictions (e.g., the UK vs. the US). You should be able to critique the 'proportionality of fines' and engage in sophisticated discussions about 'means-tested fines'. Your mastery of the word should allow you to use it effortlessly in any professional or academic setting, demonstrating a deep understanding of its legal, social, and economic implications.

At the C2 level, you possess a masterly command of the word 'fine' and its various legal, historical, and socio-economic connotations. You can use the term with total precision in the most formal and complex environments, such as high-court proceedings, legislative drafting, or philosophical treatises on jurisprudence. You understand the etymological roots of the word and how its meaning has evolved from 'a final settlement' to 'a monetary penalty'. You can discuss the 'efficacy of fines' in behavioral economics and the 'regressive nature of flat-rate fines' in social policy. Your vocabulary includes highly specialized terms like 'exemplary fines' and 'deterrent fines'. You can navigate the most dense legal texts where 'fine' might be used in archaic or highly technical ways. Furthermore, you can use the word with rhetorical flair in speeches or persuasive writing, perhaps using it as a metaphor for the 'price of progress' or the 'cost of moral failure'. Your understanding of 'fine' is not just linguistic but also conceptual, allowing you to analyze its role as a tool of state power and social control. At this level, you are capable of teaching the nuances of the word to others and can identify even the most subtle misuses or stylistic inconsistencies in the writing of others.

練習する例文メモとヒント

fine 30秒で

A fine is a monetary penalty imposed by an authority for breaking rules or laws, ranging from minor library fees to major legal sanctions.
It is a countable noun, meaning you can have one fine or multiple fines, and it is usually paired with verbs like 'pay' or 'impose'.
Fines are distinct from fees; a fine is a punishment for doing something wrong, while a fee is a payment for a service provided.
Common contexts for fines include traffic violations, late returns of borrowed items, environmental damage, and professional sports misconduct.

The word fine, when used as a noun, refers specifically to a financial penalty imposed by an authority. Unlike a fee, which is a payment for a service, or a tax, which is a contribution to state revenue, a fine is inherently punitive. It is designed to discourage behavior that violates established rules, laws, or social norms. In everyday life, you encounter fines in various settings, from the small, manageable amounts charged by a local library for a book returned past its due date to the substantial, life-altering sums levied by high courts for corporate negligence or criminal activity.

Legal Context: In the legal system, a fine serves as a middle-ground punishment. It is more severe than a simple warning but less restrictive than incarceration or community service. Judges often have the discretion to set the amount of a fine based on the severity of the offense and the financial status of the offender.

The driver was forced to pay a heavy fine after being caught speeding through the school zone during morning hours.

Historically, the concept of a fine dates back to ancient legal codes where monetary compensation was used to settle disputes and prevent blood feuds. Today, the administrative use of fines is a primary tool for local governments to manage public order. Common examples include parking tickets, littering penalties, and noise violation charges. When people use this word, they are almost always talking about an unwanted expense that resulted from a mistake or a conscious decision to break a rule.

Social Context: Socially, receiving a fine can carry a stigma of irresponsibility. For instance, a business receiving an environmental fine may suffer reputational damage alongside the financial loss. Conversely, minor fines like those for late library books are often viewed with a sense of mild embarrassment or as a common, relatable inconvenience of modern life.

If you do not return the equipment by Friday, the club will issue a mandatory fine of fifty dollars.

The word is also frequently used in the context of sports. Professional athletes are often 'fined' by their leagues for unsportsmanlike conduct, missing mandatory media sessions, or wearing unapproved gear. In these cases, the fine is a tool used by the organization to maintain professional standards and protect the brand's image. The amount of the fine in professional sports can often reach tens of thousands of dollars, reflecting the high salaries of the individuals involved.

Administrative Context: Administrative fines are common in the workplace for safety violations. For example, a construction company might face a fine from a government safety agency if workers are found not wearing helmets. This ensures that the cost of non-compliance is higher than the cost of following safety protocols.

The city council voted to increase the fine for illegal dumping to five hundred dollars to protect the local parks.

I had to pay a small fine because I forgot to renew my dog's license on time.

The judge imposed a maximum fine on the corporation for its role in the price-fixing scandal.

Using the noun fine correctly requires understanding its relationship with specific verbs and adjectives. Because it represents a transaction—albeit an involuntary one—it is often paired with verbs that describe the act of giving or receiving money. The most common verbs used with 'fine' are 'pay', 'impose', 'levy', 'issue', and 'face'. For example, an authority 'imposes' a fine, while the offender 'pays' it. If you are describing the possibility of a penalty, you might say someone 'faces' a fine.

Common Verb Pairings: 1. Pay a fine: To give the money required. 2. Impose a fine: When a judge or official sets the penalty. 3. Levy a fine: A more formal way to say impose, often used in tax or corporate contexts. 4. Incur a fine: To become liable for a fine through one's actions.

The company was forced to pay a fine of over one million dollars for environmental violations.

When constructing sentences, the preposition 'for' is almost always used to indicate the reason for the fine. You pay a fine *for* speeding, *for* littering, or *for* a late return. This structure helps clarify the cause-and-effect relationship between the action and the penalty. Additionally, the preposition 'of' is used to specify the amount. You might pay a fine *of* fifty dollars. Combining these, you get a full descriptive sentence: 'He paid a fine of $100 for illegal parking.'

Adjective Collocations: 1. Hefty fine: A very large amount. 2. Mandatory fine: A fine that must be given according to the law. 3. Discretionary fine: A fine where the amount is decided by a judge. 4. Cumulative fine: A fine that increases over time if not paid.

The judge decided to impose a hefty fine instead of sentencing the defendant to jail time.

In more complex sentences, 'fine' can act as the subject. For instance, 'A fine may be issued if the rules are not followed.' Here, the focus is on the penalty itself rather than the person paying it. This passive construction is very common in official notices, handbooks, and legal documents where the tone needs to be objective and authoritative. It emphasizes the consequence of the action rather than the individual offender.

Sentence Patterns: 1. [Subject] + [Verb: pay/owe/receive] + [a fine]. 2. [Authority] + [Verb: impose/levy] + [a fine] + [on someone]. 3. [A fine] + [Verb: is/was issued] + [for something].

Failure to comply with these regulations will result in a fine of up to five hundred pounds.

She was shocked to receive a fine in the mail for a toll she didn't know she had missed.

The university library waives the fine if you return the books within the twenty-four-hour grace period.

The noun fine is a staple of administrative and legal language, but it also permeates daily life in very specific environments. You are most likely to hear it in places where rules are strictly enforced. Traffic stops are perhaps the most common real-world scenario. A police officer might say, 'I'm going to have to issue you a fine for that broken taillight.' In this context, the word carries the weight of official authority and the immediate realization of a financial loss.

Public Transportation: On subways, buses, and trains, you will often see signs or hear announcements regarding fines. 'Passengers caught without a valid ticket will face a standard fine of eighty dollars.' This is a deterrent used to ensure everyone pays their fare, and the word 'fine' is used here to clearly signal the consequence of non-compliance.

The automated voice on the train reminded everyone that smoking on the platform carries a heavy fine.

Another common place to hear the word is in educational institutions. Libraries are famous for their 'overdue fines'. While these are usually small, they are a constant part of the student experience. A librarian might tell you, 'You have an outstanding fine of two dollars, so you cannot check out any more books until it is paid.' Similarly, universities may fine students for noise complaints in dormitories or for losing their student ID cards. In these settings, the fine is less about punishment and more about maintaining the shared resources of the community.

The News and Media: You will frequently hear 'fine' in news broadcasts, especially when reporting on corporate scandals or environmental disasters. News anchors might report, 'The tech giant was hit with a record-breaking fine by the European Union for data privacy breaches.' Here, the word is used to quantify the scale of the wrongdoing and the government's response.

According to the morning news, the city is doubling the fine for residents who fail to recycle properly.

In the world of professional sports, 'fine' is a word that appears in almost every post-game analysis where a controversy occurred. Commentators might discuss whether a player's behavior warrants a fine from the league office. For example, 'The league is expected to announce a fine for the coach's comments regarding the officiating.' In this context, the fine is a disciplinary tool used to maintain the integrity and public image of the sport, and it is a major topic of conversation among fans and analysts.

Legal and Courtroom Settings: In a courtroom, a judge will formally 'pronounce' a fine. 'I hereby sentence you to pay a fine of five hundred dollars plus court costs.' This is the most formal usage of the word, where it is part of a legal judgment that must be recorded and enforced by the state.

The judge warned that any further outbursts would result in a fine for contempt of court.

The landlord threatened a fine if the trash was not removed from the hallway by noon.

The sign at the park entrance clearly states that there is a fifty-dollar fine for walking dogs off-leash.

The word fine is a 'homonym', meaning it has the same spelling and pronunciation as other words with completely different meanings. The most common mistake learners make is confusing the noun 'fine' (a penalty) with the adjective 'fine' (meaning good, okay, or thin). While context usually makes the meaning clear, in written English, a lack of supporting words can lead to ambiguity. For example, 'The fine was high' could technically mean a penalty was expensive or that a thin texture was located high up, though the latter is rare.

Fine vs. Fee: Many learners use 'fine' when they actually mean 'fee'. A fee is a price you pay for a service (like a tuition fee or a processing fee). A fine is a punishment. Saying 'I paid a fine to enter the museum' is incorrect unless you were punished for entering; the correct word is 'fee'.

Incorrect: I had to pay a fine for my visa application. Correct: I had to pay a fee for my visa application.

Another frequent error involves the verb 'to fine'. While this section focuses on the noun, it's important to note that you cannot 'fine' a person money in the same way you 'give' them money. You 'fine someone [amount]'. A common mistake is saying 'The police fined to me fifty dollars.' The correct structure is 'The police fined me fifty dollars' or 'The police gave me a fine of fifty dollars.' Using the noun form requires the preposition 'of' for the amount and 'for' for the reason.

Preposition Errors: Learners often struggle with the prepositions following 'fine'. Remember: A fine *for* [reason] and a fine *of* [amount]. Avoid saying 'a fine about speeding' or 'a fine with fifty dollars'.

Incorrect: He received a fine by speeding. Correct: He received a fine for speeding.

Spelling mistakes are less common with such a short word, but learners sometimes confuse 'fine' with 'find'. 'Find' is a verb meaning to discover something. In fast speech, the 'd' at the end of 'find' can be subtle, leading to listening errors. However, in writing, 'I have to pay a find' is a clear error. Always check that you are using the word that ends in 'e' when referring to a penalty.

Pluralization Mistakes: Sometimes people treat 'fine' as an uncountable noun like 'money'. They might say 'How much fine do I owe?' This is incorrect. Because it is countable, you should say 'How much is the fine?' or 'How many fines do I have?'

Incorrect: There were much fines issued today. Correct: There were many fines issued today.

Incorrect: I paid the fine to the library for my books. Correct: I paid the library fine for my overdue books.

Incorrect: The fine of the car was expensive. Correct: The fine for the car (parking/speeding) was expensive.

While fine is the most common term for a monetary penalty, several other words carry similar meanings but are used in different contexts. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more natural and precise in your English. The most frequent alternatives are 'penalty', 'ticket', 'forfeiture', and 'sanction'. Each of these has a specific 'flavor' and is preferred in certain situations.

Fine vs. Penalty: 'Penalty' is a broader term. A fine is always a sum of money, but a penalty can be anything—loss of points in a game, extra work, or even time in prison. All fines are penalties, but not all penalties are fines. Use 'penalty' when the punishment isn't necessarily monetary.

The penalty for late submission is a 10% reduction in your grade, while the fine for losing the book is $20.

In legal and international contexts, you might hear the word 'sanction'. A sanction is a very formal penalty, often imposed by one country on another or by a professional body on a member. While a sanction can involve a fine, it often involves restrictions on trade or professional practice. 'Forfeiture' is another legal term, referring specifically to the loss of property or money as a consequence of a crime or breach of contract.

Fine vs. Surcharge: A 'surcharge' is an extra fee added to a bill, often for a specific reason like high fuel costs or using a credit card. It is not a punishment. If you pay late, you might pay a 'late fee' or a 'fine', but if you pay for a premium service, you pay a 'surcharge'.

The government imposed economic sanctions that included heavy fines on all imported luxury goods.

In sports, you might hear the term 'booking' (in soccer) or 'foul' (in basketball). While these lead to penalties within the game, they are often followed by an actual 'fine' from the league office later. This distinguishes the immediate consequence during the game from the financial consequence after the game. Understanding these layers of terminology helps in following sports news and discussions accurately.

Comparison Table: - Fine: Monetary punishment for a rule breach. - Fee: Payment for a service. - Ticket: Notice of a fine (usually traffic). - Penalty: Any form of punishment. - Sanction: Formal, often political or professional penalty.

The fine for littering is meant to be a deterrent, much like the sanctions used in international diplomacy.

Instead of a fine, the judge ordered the teenager to perform forty hours of community service.

The bank charged a fee for the wire transfer, which was quite different from the fine for the bounced check.

How Formal Is It?

フォーマル

ニュートラル

カジュアル

Child friendly

スラング

豆知識

The reason we use 'fine' for both 'good' and 'a penalty' is that both meanings come from the idea of 'finished' or 'perfected'. A 'fine' penalty was the 'final' payment to settle a debt to society.

発音ガイド

UK /faɪn/

US /faɪn/

Single syllable word; the stress is on the entire word.

韻が合う語

line mine pine shine wine dine nine vine

よくある間違い

Pronouncing it like 'fin' (the part of a fish). Ensure the 'i' is long.
Adding an extra syllable at the end, like 'fine-ah'.
Confusing it with 'find' by adding a 'd' sound at the end.
Muttering the 'n' so it sounds like 'fie'.
Over-aspirating the 'f' sound.

難易度

読解 1/5

The word is short and common in public signs and simple texts.

ライティング 2/5

Requires knowledge of prepositions like 'for' and 'of'.

スピーキング 2/5

Must distinguish from the adjective 'fine' in context.

リスニング 2/5

Can be confused with 'find' or 'fin' if not careful.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

pay money rule law bad

次に学ぶ

penalty fee ticket violation offense

上級

sanction levy mulct jurisprudence deterrent

知っておくべき文法

Countable Nouns

I have three fines to pay.

Preposition 'for' for reason

A fine for speeding.

Preposition 'of' for amount

A fine of $50.

Passive Voice with 'impose'

A fine was imposed on the company.

Noun Adjuncts

Parking fine, library fine.

レベル別の例文

I paid a small fine for the late book.

J'ai payé une petite amende pour le livre en retard.

Use 'a' before 'fine' because it is a countable noun.

The fine for parking here is $20.

L'amende pour se garer ici est de 20 $.

The preposition 'for' explains the reason for the fine.

Do I have to pay a fine?

Dois-je payer une amende ?

This is a question using the auxiliary verb 'do'.

There is a fine for littering in the park.

Il y a une amende pour avoir jeté des détritus dans le parc.

'Littering' is a gerund acting as the object of the preposition 'for'.

He got a fine yesterday.

Il a eu une amende hier.

Past simple tense of 'get' is 'got'.

The library fine is very low.

L'amende de la bibliothèque est très basse.

'Library' acts as a noun adjunct modifying 'fine'.

She does not want to pay the fine.

Elle ne veut pas payer l'amende.

Negative sentence using 'does not'.

Is the fine expensive?

L'amende est-elle chère ?

Adjective 'expensive' describes the noun 'fine'.

You will receive a fine if you drive too fast.

Vous recevrez une amende si vous conduisez trop vite.

First conditional sentence: 'will' + 'if' + present simple.

The police officer gave him a fine for speeding.

Le policier lui a donné une amende pour excès de vitesse.

Indirect object 'him' comes before the direct object 'a fine'.

I forgot to pay my parking fine.

J'ai oublié de payer mon amende de stationnement.

Infinitive 'to pay' follows the verb 'forgot'.

How much is the fine for a late return?

À combien s'élève l'amende pour un retour tardif ?

'How much' is used to ask about the price/amount of the fine.

You must pay the fine within ten days.

Vous devez payer l'amende dans les dix jours.

Modal verb 'must' expresses obligation.

The fine was only five dollars.

L'amende n'était que de cinq dollars.

Past tense of 'be' is 'was' for a singular subject.

Can I pay the fine online?

Puis-je payer l'amende en ligne ?

Modal verb 'can' expresses possibility or permission.

He has two fines to pay this month.

Il a deux amendes à payer ce mois-ci.

Plural form 'fines' used with the number 'two'.

The company had to pay a heavy fine for environmental damage.

L'entreprise a dû payer une lourde amende pour dommages environnementaux.

Adjective 'heavy' describes a large monetary amount.

If you are caught without a ticket, you will face a standard fine.

Si vous êtes pris sans ticket, vous ferez face à une amende forfaitaire.

The phrase 'face a fine' means to be threatened with or forced to deal with a fine.

The judge imposed a fine of $500 on the defendant.

Le juge a imposé une amende de 500 $ au prévenu.

The verb 'impose' is frequently used in legal contexts with 'fine'.

The library will waive your fine if you bring the books back today.

La bibliothèque annulera votre amende si vous rapportez les livres aujourd'hui.

'Waive' means to officially say that a rule or payment does not apply.

Many people think the fine for littering is too low to be effective.

Beaucoup de gens pensent que l'amende pour abandon de détritus est trop basse pour être efficace.

Use 'too + adjective + to + verb' to show a negative result.

He incurred a fine because he didn't register his vehicle on time.

Il a encouru une amende parce qu'il n'a pas enregistré son véhicule à temps.

'Incur' means to experience something unpleasant as a result of your own actions.

The fine is reduced if you pay it within forty-eight hours.

L'amende est réduite si vous la payez dans les quarante-huit heures.

Passive voice 'is reduced' focuses on the amount.

Is there a maximum fine for this type of offense?

Existe-t-il une amende maximale pour ce type d'infraction ?

'Maximum' acts as an adjective modifying 'fine'.

The regulatory body levied a substantial fine against the bank for non-compliance.

L'organisme de réglementation a prélevé une amende substantielle contre la banque pour non-conformité.

'Levy' is a formal verb for imposing a tax, fee, or fine.

The athlete was fined for making inappropriate comments to the media.

L'athlète a été condamné à une amende pour avoir fait des commentaires inappropriés aux médias.

Here 'fined' is the past participle used in a passive construction.

The court ruled that the fine was disproportionate to the crime committed.

Le tribunal a jugé que l'amende était disproportionnée par rapport au crime commis.

'Disproportionate to' is a common academic collocation.

Failure to disclose this information may result in a fine or imprisonment.

Le fait de ne pas divulguer ces informations peut entraîner une amende ou une peine d'emprisonnement.

'Result in' is a phrasal verb meaning to cause something to happen.

The city council is considering increasing the fine for illegal short-term rentals.

Le conseil municipal envisage d'augmenter l'amende pour les locations de courte durée illégales.

'Increasing' is a gerund following the verb 'considering'.

The fine serves as a deterrent to prevent future violations of the policy.

L'amende sert de moyen de dissuasion pour prévenir les violations futures de la politique.

'Serves as' describes the function of the fine.

He was able to appeal the fine and eventually had it overturned.

Il a pu faire appel de l'amende et a fini par la faire annuler.

'Overturned' means a legal decision was reversed.

The total amount of fines collected by the city has doubled this year.

Le montant total des amendes collectées par la ville a doublé cette année.

Present perfect tense 'has doubled' shows a recent change.

The imposition of such a heavy fine could lead to the company's bankruptcy.

L'imposition d'une amende aussi lourde pourrait conduire à la faillite de l'entreprise.

'Imposition' is the noun form of the verb 'impose'.

Critics argue that flat-rate fines are regressive as they disproportionately affect the poor.

Les critiques soutiennent que les amendes forfaitaires sont régressives car elles affectent de manière disproportionnée les pauvres.

'Regressive' is a technical term in economics and social policy.

The treaty includes provisions for fines in the event of a breach of environmental standards.

Le traité comprend des dispositions relatives à des amendes en cas de violation des normes environnementales.

'Provisions for' refers to specific terms within a legal document.

The judge exercised his discretion to reduce the fine, citing the defendant's cooperation.

Le juge a exercé son pouvoir discrétionnaire pour réduire l'amende, invoquant la coopération du prévenu.

'Exercise discretion' means to use one's power to make a choice.

A record-breaking fine was handed down to the tech giant for antitrust violations.

Une amende record a été infligée au géant de la technologie pour violations de la législation antitrust.

'Handed down' is a phrasal verb used for formal legal judgments.

The revenue generated from traffic fines is often earmarked for road safety initiatives.

Les revenus générés par les amendes de circulation sont souvent affectés à des initiatives de sécurité routière.

'Earmarked for' means set aside for a specific purpose.

There is a growing debate about the ethics of using fines as a primary source of municipal revenue.

Un débat croissant s'instaure sur l'éthique de l'utilisation des amendes comme source principale de revenus municipaux.

'Ethics of using' combines a noun with a gerund phrase.

The fine was eventually commuted to community service after a lengthy appeal process.

L'amende a finalement été commuée en travaux d'intérêt général après une longue procédure d'appel.

'Commuted to' means changed to a less severe punishment.

The philosophical justification for fines rests on the principle of retributive justice.

La justification philosophique des amendes repose sur le principe de la justice rétributive.

'Retributive justice' is a specialized term in legal philosophy.

The sheer magnitude of the fine was intended to act as a seismic warning to the entire industry.

L'ampleur même de l'amende était destinée à servir d'avertissement sismique à l'ensemble du secteur.

'Seismic warning' is a metaphorical use of the adjective 'seismic'.

The legal team sought to mitigate the fine by demonstrating the company's proactive remedial measures.

L'équipe juridique a cherché à atténuer l'amende en démontrant les mesures correctives proactives de l'entreprise.

'Mitigate' means to make something less severe or painful.

The imposition of fines in lieu of custodial sentences remains a contentious issue in modern jurisprudence.

L'imposition d'amendes au lieu de peines d'emprisonnement reste une question litigieuse dans la jurisprudence moderne.

'In lieu of' is a formal prepositional phrase meaning 'instead of'.

The administrative mulct, though technically a fine, operates under a different set of procedural rules.

L'amende administrative, bien qu'il s'agisse techniquement d'une amende, fonctionne selon un ensemble différent de règles de procédure.

'Mulct' is a rare, highly formal synonym for fine.

One must distinguish between a fine as a penal sanction and a fine as a regulatory tool for market stabilization.

Il faut distinguer l'amende en tant que sanction pénale de l'amende en tant qu'outil réglementaire de stabilisation du marché.

Parallel structure using 'as a... and as a...'.

The historical evolution of the fine reflects shifting societal attitudes toward property and punishment.

L'évolution historique de l'amende reflète l'évolution des attitudes de la société à l'égard de la propriété et du châtiment.

'Shifting societal attitudes' is a complex noun phrase.

The defendant's inability to pay the fine led to a complex legal quagmire regarding alternative sentencing.

L'incapacité du prévenu à payer l'amende a conduit à un bourbier juridique complexe concernant les peines alternatives.

'Quagmire' is a metaphor for a difficult or complicated situation.

類義語

penalty charge forfeit sanction mulct

反対語

reward prize bonus

よく使う組み合わせ

pay a fine

impose a fine

hefty fine

parking fine

library fine

levy a fine

face a fine

maximum fine

waive a fine

incur a fine

よく使うフレーズ

subject to a fine

on-the-spot fine

heavy fine

nominal fine

cumulative fine

mandatory fine

standard fine

fine print

pay the fine

avoid a fine

よく混同される語

fine vs fee

A fee is for a service; a fine is for a mistake or rule-breaking.

fine vs fine (adjective)

The adjective means 'good' or 'thin'; the noun means a penalty.

fine vs find

A verb meaning to discover; sounds similar but spelled differently.

慣用句と表現

"cut it fine"

To allow very little time or space for something (uses 'fine' as an adverb).

We're cutting it fine if we want to catch the train.

informal

"one's fine hand"

Someone's subtle or clever influence in a situation (uses 'fine' as an adjective).

You can see the CEO's fine hand in this new strategy.

formal

"fine-tooth comb"

To examine something very carefully and in great detail.

The police went over the crime scene with a fine-tooth comb.

neutral

"not to put too fine a point on it"

To speak bluntly or directly, without trying to be polite.

Not to put too fine a point on it, your work has been lazy lately.

neutral

"fine words butter no parsnips"

Nothing is achieved by empty promises or flattery; action is needed.

He promised a raise, but fine words butter no parsnips.

literary/old-fashioned

"a fine line"

A very small difference between two things, often one good and one bad.

There is a fine line between bravery and recklessness.

neutral

"fine and dandy"

Everything is perfectly okay (often used sarcastically).

If you want to quit, that's just fine and dandy with me.

informal

"in fine fettle"

In very good health or condition.

After his vacation, he was in fine fettle.

informal/British

"chance would be a fine thing"

Used to say that something is very unlikely to happen, though you wish it would.

A holiday in Hawaii? Chance would be a fine thing!

informal/British

"fine feathers make fine birds"

Beautiful clothes make a person appear more important or attractive than they are.

He looks like a gentleman in that suit, but fine feathers make fine birds.

literary

間違えやすい

fine vs tax

Both involve giving money to the government.

A tax is a regular payment for public services; a fine is a one-time penalty for a violation.

I pay my income tax every year, but I only paid a fine once for speeding.

fine vs toll

Both are paid while driving.

A toll is a fee for using a specific road or bridge; a fine is for breaking a traffic law.

I paid the bridge toll, but then I got a fine for speeding on the other side.

fine vs bail

Both are money paid to a court.

Bail is money paid to get out of jail before a trial; a fine is the punishment after being found guilty.

He paid bail to go home, but later he had to pay a fine as his sentence.

fine vs bribe

Both involve giving money to an official.

A fine is legal and official; a bribe is illegal and secret money given to influence someone.

The honest man paid his fine instead of offering a bribe to the officer.

fine vs premium

Both can be extra costs.

A premium is a payment for insurance or a higher quality service; a fine is a penalty.

I pay a high premium for my car insurance so I don't have to worry about fines.

文型パターン

I paid a [adjective] fine.

I paid a small fine.

The fine for [verb-ing] is [amount].

The fine for parking is $10.

He faces a fine of [amount] for [noun].

He faces a fine of $200 for littering.

The [authority] imposed a fine on [person/entity].

The court imposed a fine on the driver.

The imposition of a fine serves as a [noun].

The imposition of a fine serves as a deterrent.

Whether the fine is [adjective] remains [adjective].

Whether the fine is proportionate remains contentious.

If you [verb], you will incur a fine.

If you smoke, you will incur a fine.

Do not [verb] or you will get a fine.

Do not litter or you will get a fine.

語族

名詞

動詞

形容詞

使い方

frequency

Very common in daily life, news, and legal contexts.

よくある間違い

I paid a fine to the museum. → I paid a fee to the museum.
You pay a fee for entry/service. You only pay a fine if you broke a rule at the museum.
The police fined to me. → The police fined me.
The verb 'fine' is transitive and takes a direct object without the preposition 'to'.
I have much fines. → I have many fines.
'Fine' is a countable noun, so you must use 'many' instead of 'much'.
A fine about speeding. → A fine for speeding.
The standard preposition to indicate the reason for a fine is 'for'.
The fine of the library was $5. → The library fine was $5.
Using 'library' as a noun adjunct (library fine) is more natural than using 'of the library'.

ヒント

Countability

Remember that 'fine' is countable. Always use 'a' or 'the' or a number before the singular form.

Fine vs. Fee

Use 'fine' for punishments and 'fee' for services. This is the most common mistake for learners.

Common Verbs

Learn the verbs 'impose', 'levy', and 'pay'. These are the most natural partners for the word 'fine'.

Public Signs

Look for the word 'fine' on signs in parks, buses, and streets to see how it is used in the real world.

Long I Sound

Ensure you say /faɪn/ with a long 'i' like in 'light'. If you say 'fin', people will think of a fish.

Prepositions

Always use 'for' for the reason. 'A fine for speeding' is correct; 'a fine because speeding' is not.

Legal Context

In formal writing, use 'monetary penalty' or 'sanction' as synonyms to vary your vocabulary.

Homonyms

When you hear 'fine', check the context. If it's about money or rules, it's the noun. If it's about feelings, it's the adjective.

Natural Phrasing

Say 'I got a fine' or 'I was fined' rather than 'I received a fine' in casual conversation.

Final Payment

Think: A fine is the FINAL payment to end your legal trouble.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of 'Fine' as the 'Final' payment you make to 'Finish' your trouble with the law.

視覚的連想

Imagine a giant dollar sign ($) inside a red 'No Parking' circle. The dollar sign is the 'fine' you pay for parking there.

Word Web

Penalty Law Money Ticket Judge Police Rule Payment

チャレンジ

Try to write three sentences using 'fine' as a noun: one about a library, one about a car, and one about a park.

語源

The word 'fine' comes from the Old French 'fin', which meant 'end' or 'completion'. This itself derived from the Latin 'finis', meaning 'end' or 'boundary'. In the legal sense, it originally referred to a 'final settlement' or a payment made to end a legal dispute.

元の意味： A final payment or settlement to end a legal case.

Indo-European (Italic > Romance > Germanic influence)

文化的な背景

Be careful when discussing fines with people who may be struggling financially, as even a small fine can be a significant burden.

In the UK and US, 'fine' is the standard term, but 'ticket' is more common in casual speech for traffic issues.

The 'Fine City' nickname for Singapore. The 'Library Fine' trope in sitcoms like Seinfeld. Record-breaking EU fines against big tech companies like Google.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Driving and Traffic

speeding fine
parking fine
red light fine
pay a ticket

Library and School

overdue fine
late return fine
lost book fine
waive the fine

Public Spaces

littering fine
smoking fine
noise violation fine
subject to a fine

Legal/Court

impose a fine
court fine
criminal fine
statutory fine

Professional Sports

league fine
player fine
disciplinary fine
appeal a fine

会話のきっかけ

"Have you ever had to pay a library fine for a late book?"

"Do you think fines for speeding should be higher or lower?"

"What is the most expensive fine you have ever heard of?"

"Should people be fined for littering in the city center?"

"Do you think it's fair that some countries have income-based fines?"

日記のテーマ

Describe a time you received a fine. How did you feel and what did you learn?

Write about whether you think fines are an effective way to stop people from breaking rules.

Imagine you are a judge. What kind of fine would you give to someone who keeps playing loud music at night?

Should libraries stop charging fines for late books? Explain your opinion.

Research a famous corporate fine and write about why it was so large.

よくある質問

10 問

A fine is a punishment for breaking a rule, like a parking fine. A fee is a payment for a service, like a tuition fee. You pay a fee because you want something; you pay a fine because you did something wrong.

Yes, 'fine' can be a verb. It means to charge someone a fine. For example, 'The judge fined him $500.' In this case, it is an action performed by an authority.

Yes, 'fine' is countable. You can say 'I have one fine' or 'I have several fines.' You should use 'many' or 'few' with it, not 'much' or 'little'.

To 'waive a fine' means that the authority decides you do not have to pay it. This usually happens if there was a mistake or if you have a very good excuse.

Use 'for' to state the reason (a fine for speeding) and 'of' to state the amount (a fine of $100). You can also say 'a fine on' someone or a company.

A 'hefty fine' is a very large or expensive fine. It is a common collocation used to emphasize that the penalty is significant.

In many places, if you refuse to pay a fine or cannot pay it, a judge might change the punishment to community service or, in serious cases, jail time.

The ticket is the piece of paper that tells you about the violation. The fine is the specific amount of money you are required to pay because of that ticket.

This is a fine that is issued and sometimes paid immediately at the scene of the offense, common for minor traffic or littering violations.

As a noun in a legal context, yes, it almost always refers to money. However, as an adjective, it can mean 'good', 'thin', or 'delicate'.