罚分 is a verb meaning 'to deduct points' — typically from an official score or allowance, such as a driver’s license, exam result, or performance evaluation. The character 罚 means 'to punish' or 'to penalize', while 分 means 'point(s)' (as in scoring units). Together, they form a compound verb indicating the act of subtracting points as a formal consequence of a rule violation or error.

This term is commonly used in regulated contexts where point systems are employed for accountability: traffic management (e.g., speeding fines), academic assessments (e.g., lost points for late submission), or workplace evaluations. It implies an authoritative, standardized penalty — not informal criticism or subjective disapproval. While often paired with a number (e.g., 罚三分), it can also appear in passive constructions like 被罚分 ('was deducted points').