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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The media condemned the politician.
To denounce or expose wrongdoing, often with the implication of bringing to light. Closer to 'denounce' than general 'condemn'.
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.
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.
To impose a penalty. More formal and less common in everyday language.
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.
The building was condemned due to deterioration.
To close down. Often used when authorities shut down a place for safety or legal reasons.
The health department condemned the restaurant.
To make off-limits. Used when an area is declared dangerous and entry is forbidden.
To cause someone to experience something unpleasant or undesirable, often without choice.
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.
The newspaper condemned the minister.
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.
The government condemned the attack.
He was condemned to life imprisonment.
The old bridge was condemned.
A whistleblower condemned the company's misconduct.
The court condemned him to death.
The law condemns such crimes with severe penalties.
After the earthquake, the area was condemned.
To destine or doom. Implies a fate that cannot be avoided, often negative.
The policy was condemned to failure.