Translation guide
The English verb "condemn" covers strong disapproval, official censure, legal sentencing, and declaring something unfit. This guide organizes Japanese expressions by these core meanings, from everyday criticism to formal declarations.
To say that someone or something is very bad, morally wrong, or unacceptable.
The most direct and common equivalent for publicly or strongly criticizing someone's actions or character. Used in news, debates, and everyday conversation.
彼の行動は広く非難された。
His actions were widely condemned.
Voices condemning the government's response are rising.
A stronger, more formal term for denouncing or sharply criticizing, often used in political or social contexts. Implies a thorough, forceful condemnation.
野党は首相の政策を厳しく糾弾した。
The opposition party harshly condemned the prime minister's policies.
To blame or reproach someone, often in personal relationships. Less formal than 非難する, and can be used for milder criticism.
彼女は彼の無責任さを責めた。
She condemned his irresponsibility.
Literally 'to speak ill of'. A casual, indirect way to express disapproval. Not as strong as 'condemn', but can be used in everyday speech.
彼はいつも他人を悪く言う。
He's always condemning others.
To formally declare that a person, group, or action is wrong, often by an authority or organization.
To pass a resolution of condemnation. Used in political bodies, international organizations, etc.
国連はその国の人権侵害を非難決議した。
The UN passed a resolution condemning that country's human rights violations.
To pronounce guilty or condemn, often with a moral or judicial tone. Can be used figuratively for strong public condemnation.
メディアはその政治家を断罪した。
The media condemned the politician.
To denounce or expose wrongdoing, often with the implication of bringing to light. Closer to 'denounce' than general 'condemn'.
内部告発者が会社の不正を告発した。
A whistleblower condemned the company's misconduct.
To officially order that someone receive a particular punishment, especially in a legal context.
To hand down a sentence. The standard phrase for a judge pronouncing a sentence.
裁判官は被告に懲役10年の判決を下した。
The judge condemned the defendant to 10 years in prison.
To pronounce a sentence of ~. Used in legal contexts. The pattern is [punishment] + の刑を言い渡す.
裁判所は彼に死刑を言い渡した。
The court condemned him to death.
To impose a penalty. More formal and less common in everyday language.
法律はその犯罪に厳しい刑を科している。
The law condemns such crimes with severe penalties.
To officially state that a building, area, or thing is not safe to use or live in.
To prohibit use. Commonly used for buildings, facilities, or products deemed unsafe.
その建物は老朽化のため使用禁止にされた。
The building was condemned due to deterioration.
To close down. Often used when authorities shut down a place for safety or legal reasons.
保健所はそのレストランを閉鎖した。
The health department condemned the restaurant.
To make off-limits. Used when an area is declared dangerous and entry is forbidden.
地震の後、その地域は立ち入り禁止にされた。
After the earthquake, the area was condemned.
To cause someone to experience something unpleasant or undesirable, often without choice.
To be forced to do ~. This pattern conveys being condemned to a certain fate or action. The ~ is a noun or verb phrase.
彼らは貧困の中で生活することを余儀なくされた。
They were condemned to live in poverty.
To destine or doom. Implies a fate that cannot be avoided, often negative.
その政策は失敗する運命にあった。
The policy was condemned to failure.
非難する is used for public or formal criticism, while 責める is more personal and emotional. Use 非難する when talking about public figures or actions, and 責める when blaming someone close to you.
新聞は大臣を非難した。
The newspaper condemned the minister.
母は私を責めた。
My mother blamed me.
Avoid directly translating 'condemn' as 罪に定める (to find guilty) unless in a strict legal context. For general disapproval, use 非難する or other options above.
政府はその攻撃を非難した。
The government condemned the attack.
彼は終身刑の判決を下された。
He was condemned to life imprisonment.
その古い橋は使用禁止になった。
The old bridge was condemned.