Translation guide
The English verb "chastise" covers a range of meanings from formal scolding to physical punishment. In Japanese, the appropriate expression depends heavily on the relationship, severity, and whether the act is verbal or physical. This guide helps learners choose natural Japanese equivalents for each nuance.
To express strong disapproval or criticism of someone's behavior, typically by someone in authority (parent, teacher, boss).
The most common and general verb for scolding or telling someone off. Used in everyday situations, especially by parents or teachers.
母親は子供を叱った。
The mother chastised her child.
遅刻して上司に叱られた。
I was chastised by my boss for being late.
Variant kanji for 叱る, but 叱る is more common. Same meaning and usage.
先生は生徒を𠮟った。
The teacher chastised the student.
A formal, stronger term for reprimanding, often used in official or written contexts. Implies a stern dressing-down.
大臣は失言を叱責された。
The minister was chastised for his gaffe.
To find fault with or reproach someone, often for a minor mistake. Can feel slightly literary or old-fashioned.
彼は私の小さなミスを咎めた。
He chastised me for my small mistake.
To inflict physical punishment as a means of discipline, often historical or in strict contexts.
Specifically means to chastise physically, often by beating. Used in historical or severe disciplinary contexts.
昔は子供を折檻することが許されていた。
In the past, chastising children physically was permitted.
Literally 'to administer corporal punishment'. A more modern and explicit phrase for physical chastisement.
教師が生徒に体罰を加えることは禁止されている。
It is prohibited for teachers to chastise students physically.
To punish or teach someone a lesson, not necessarily physical. Can be used for chastisement through hardship or discipline.
To express strong criticism, often in a formal or public setting, such as media, politics, or official statements.
To blame, criticize, or denounce. Commonly used in news and formal speech for public chastisement.
野党は政府の対応を厳しく非難した。
The opposition party severely chastised the government's response.
To denounce or censure strongly, often implying a thorough and aggressive criticism. Used in political or social contexts.
人権侵害が国際社会から糾弾された。
The human rights violations were chastised by the international community.
General term for criticism. Less intense than 非難 or 糾弾, but can be used for chastisement in many contexts.
メディアはその政策を批判した。
The media chastised the policy.
To chastise oneself, often in a moral or religious sense, involving guilt or self-discipline.
To blame or reproach oneself. The most natural way to express self-chastisement in everyday Japanese.
彼は失敗を自分を責めた。
He chastised himself for the failure.
To be driven by a sense of self-reproach. A more literary and intense expression.
彼女は自責の念に駆られて、何も手につかなかった。
She was so chastised by guilt that she couldn't focus on anything.
English 'chastise' can imply physical punishment, but in modern Japanese, direct physical chastisement is often described with specific terms like 折檻 or 体罰. Using 叱る in a physical context would be misunderstood as only verbal scolding.
Learners often confuse 叱る (scold with authority/for discipline) and 怒る (get angry). 叱る implies a corrective intention, while 怒る is simply expressing anger. A parent may 怒る (get angry) without 叱る (chastising), and vice versa.
母は怒ったが、私を叱らなかった。
My mother got angry but didn't chastise me.
悪いことをしたら、きちんと懲らしめなければならない。
If you do something bad, you must be properly chastised.