Translation guide
Expressing strong disapproval, often in formal, legal, or moral contexts. Japanese uses different words depending on whether it's a public denouncement, a legal sentence, or moral blame.
To express strong public or official disapproval of an action, policy, or person.
The most common and general word for condemnation, criticism, or blame. Used in news, formal statements, and everyday contexts.
政府の対応に国際社会から非難が集まった。
The government's response drew condemnation from the international community.
彼は不正行為を非難された。
He was condemned for his misconduct.
Stronger and more formal than 非難, often used for rigorous denunciation, especially in political or social contexts.
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.
Literally 'judgment of guilt', used for strong moral condemnation or declaring someone guilty, often in a dramatic or literary sense.
歴史は彼の行為を断罪するだろう。
History will condemn his actions.
To express the formal declaration of punishment by a court.
A guilty verdict or conviction. This is the standard legal term for being condemned in court.
被告に有罪判決が下された。
A guilty verdict was handed down to the defendant.
To pronounce a sentence; used when a judge formally announces the punishment.
裁判官は被告人に懲役10年を宣告した。
The judge condemned the defendant to 10 years in prison.
To express strong personal disapproval or to blame someone for a wrongdoing.
To blame, criticize, or reproach someone. Common in personal relationships.
彼は自分の失敗を私のせいにした。
He condemned me for his own mistake. (lit. He blamed me for his mistake.)
そんなに自分を責めないで。
Don't condemn yourself so much.
To find fault with, to blame, or to reproach. Slightly more formal or literary than 責める.
To officially declare a building unsafe and unfit for use.
An official order prohibiting use, often for unsafe buildings. This is the closest equivalent to 'condemned' for structures.
その建物は老朽化のため使用禁止処分を受けた。
The building was condemned due to deterioration.
To be closed off, to become off-limits. Often used for condemned buildings in everyday speech.
あの廃墟は危険だから立ち入り禁止になっている。
That ruin is condemned because it's dangerous.
非難 is the most general and can be used in everyday criticism. 糾弾 is stronger and more formal, often used in political or social denouncements. 断罪 is dramatic and implies a final moral judgment, often used in literature or rhetoric.
When talking about buildings, do not use 非難 or 糾弾. Use specific phrases like 使用禁止処分 or 立ち入り禁止.
良心が彼を咎めた。
His conscience condemned him.