Translation guide
The act of scolding, punishing, or disciplining someone, often with a moral or corrective intent. In Japanese, the appropriate expression depends heavily on the relationship, severity, and context.
Expressing verbal correction, often from a superior to a subordinate (parent to child, teacher to student, boss to employee).
The most common and general verb for scolding or telling someone off. Used in everyday situations, especially with children or subordinates.
母親は子供を叱った。
The mother scolded her child.
遅刻して先生に叱られた。
I was scolded by the teacher for being late.
A formal, written term for reprimand, often used in official or disciplinary contexts (e.g., workplace warnings).
彼は上司から厳しい𠮟責を受けた。
He received a severe reprimand from his boss.
A lengthy scolding or lecture, often moralistic. Can be used for parental scolding or a boss's long-winded reprimand.
父に長い説教をされた。
I got a long lecture from my dad.
Loud scolding or yelling at someone to encourage or correct them, often in sports or military contexts. Can imply harsh verbal chastisement.
監督は選手を叱咤した。
The coach yelled at the players to push them harder.
Expressing physical correction, such as spanking or corporal punishment, often in a parental or historical context.
Specifically refers to corporal punishment or physical chastisement, especially of children. Can also be used metaphorically for severe scolding.
昔は学校で折檻が普通だった。
In the past, corporal punishment was common in schools.
Refers to corporal punishment, especially in educational or institutional settings. Often used in discussions about its prohibition.
Literally 'to whip,' used for severe physical chastisement. Can be metaphorical for harsh criticism.
Expressing punishment from a higher power, fate, or as a moral consequence.
Divine punishment or retribution from heaven. Used when someone gets their comeuppance.
それは天罰だ。
That's divine punishment.
Punishment meant to teach a lesson or discipline someone. Can be used for both physical and non-physical chastisement.
神の懲らしめが下った。
God's chastisement descended.
General word for punishment, can be used in moral or divine contexts.
悪事には罰が当たる。
Evil deeds bring punishment.
Expressing self-inflicted chastisement for atonement or discipline.
Self-admonishment or self-discipline; reflecting on one's own mistakes and resolving to do better.
彼は自戒の念を込めて謝罪した。
He apologized with a sense of self-chastisement.
Confession and repentance, often with a religious connotation. Implies deep remorse and self-punishment.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all nuances of 'chastisement.' The closest general term is 叱責 (しっせき), but it is formal and limited to verbal reprimands. In most everyday situations, use 叱る (しかる) for scolding, or 折檻 (せっかん) for physical punishment.
叱る (しかる) means to scold with the intent to correct or discipline, while 怒る (おこる) simply means to get angry. A parent may 怒る (get angry) without 叱る (scolding constructively). In English, 'chastisement' often implies a corrective purpose, so 叱る is usually more appropriate.
体罰は法律で禁止されている。
Corporal punishment is prohibited by law.
囚人は鞭打たれた。
The prisoner was whipped.
He confessed his sins at church.