Translation guide
Ways to express warning, scolding, or earnest advice in Japanese, ranging from formal written admonitions to casual spoken reprimands.
A serious, often official warning or reprimand, typically in formal contexts.
A formal admonition or warning, often used in official, educational, or disciplinary contexts. Implies guidance or correction.
I received an admonition from my boss.
A warning or lesson meant to prevent future mistakes; can be a self-reminder or a caution from others. Slightly less formal than 訓戒.
Let's take this failure as an admonition and make use of it next time.
Admonition given to a superior or ruler, often with a sense of loyal remonstrance. Historical or literary nuance.
The retainer offered an admonition to his lord.
A direct, often emotional reprimand in everyday situations, like a parent to a child or among friends.
A sharp scolding or reprimand. Stronger than 注意, often used when someone is clearly at fault.
I was late and got a scolding from the teacher.
A mild admonition or warning, like pointing out a mistake or giving a caution. Common in daily life.
Nagging or a petty scolding, often from a parent or spouse. Carries a nuance of complaining.
To get scolded or told off. Very common in spoken Japanese. The passive form of 怒る (to get angry).
I forgot my homework and got an admonition from the teacher.
A soft, caring admonition meant to guide or protect someone, often between close relations.
Advice or warning given with good intentions. Can be formal or informal, but always implies a desire to help.
I received an admonition from a friend not to overdo it.
To give a warning or cautionary reminder to prevent future trouble. Literally 'to drive in a nail', implying a firm but preventive admonition.
Admonishing oneself, often as a form of self-discipline or regret.
To admonish oneself; to take a lesson to heart. Used when reflecting on one's own mistakes.
He took the failure as a self-admonition and never made the same mistake again.
To reflect on one's actions, often with regret. While broader than admonition, it implies a self-corrective warning.
叱責 (しっせき) is a strong, formal scolding, often from a superior. 注意 (ちゅうい) is a mild, everyday warning. 小言 (こごと) is nagging or complaining, often from family. Choose based on severity and relationship.
I was severely reprimanded by my boss.
I was cautioned by the teacher.
I got nagged by my mother.
Directly translating 'admonition' as 訓戒 or 戒め may sound overly formal or archaic in casual speech. In everyday conversation, use phrases like 怒られた or 注意された to convey the idea naturally.
I admonished the child not to play on the road.
My mother gave me an admonition about cleaning my room.
彼に遅刻しないように釘を刺しておいた。
I admonished him beforehand not to be late.
I reflected on my actions and admonished myself to be more careful in the future.