Translation guide
How to express criticism, fault-finding, or negative evaluation in Japanese, from mild feedback to harsh condemnation.
The speaker wants to say that someone or something is wrong, bad, or not good enough, often in a direct or general way.
The most common and neutral word for 'criticise'. It can be used for people, ideas, policies, works, etc. It implies a reasoned negative evaluation.
彼は政府の政策を批判した。
He criticised the government's policy.
その記事は新しい法律を厳しく批判している。
The article harshly criticises the new law.
Stronger than 批判する, often implying blame or condemnation. Used when the criticism is more emotional or accusatory.
メディアはその政治家の失言を非難した。
The media criticised the politician's gaffe.
Often used for formal critique, such as literary or art criticism. It can sound more analytical and less personal than 批判する.
彼はその小説を批評する記事を書いた。
He wrote an article criticising the novel.
The speaker wants to say that someone is being blamed or told off for doing something wrong, often in a personal context.
To scold or tell off, usually by a superior (parent, teacher, boss). It implies direct verbal reprimand.
母は私が遅く帰ったことを叱った。
My mother criticised me for coming home late.
To blame or accuse someone, often with emotional intensity. It can be used between equals or in close relationships.
To complain or find fault, often about minor things. It is a very common colloquial way to express criticism in daily life.
彼はいつも食事に文句を言う。
He always criticises the food.
The speaker wants to say something is bad or not good in a casual conversation.
Literally 'to speak badly of'. A straightforward way to say you are criticising someone or something in casual speech.
人のことを悪く言うのはよくない。
It's not good to criticise others.
To run down, disparage, or speak ill of. Stronger than 悪く言う, often implying unfair or harsh criticism.
彼は私の作品をけなした。
He criticised my work harshly.
The speaker wants to talk about evaluating a work of art, performance, or academic idea, often in a structured way.
To comment critically, often in a published review or essay. It implies a balanced evaluation, not just negative points.
その批評家は新作映画を論評した。
The critic reviewed (criticised) the new film.
To pan or severely criticise, especially in a review. It means giving a very negative evaluation.
その本は批評家に酷評された。
The book was severely criticised by critics.
批判する is neutral and fact-based; 非難する is emotional and blaming; 叱る is scolding by a superior. Use 批判する for general criticism, 非難する for strong public condemnation, and 叱る for personal reprimands.
新聞が政府を批判するのは普通だ。
It's normal for newspapers to criticise the government.
彼は不正を非難された。
He was condemned for the injustice.
先生は生徒を叱った。
The teacher scolded the student.
The English loanword クリティサイズ is rarely used in natural Japanese. Stick to the native verbs above depending on context.
She criticised his irresponsibility.