Translation guide
The English verb 'criticize' covers a range of actions from expressing mild disapproval to harsh condemnation. In Japanese, the appropriate expression depends on the severity, formality, and whether the criticism is direct or indirect. This guide helps learners choose the most natural option for each situation.
To say that someone or something is wrong or has faults, in a general sense.
The most common and neutral word for 'criticize'. It can be used for criticizing ideas, actions, policies, or people. Suitable for both spoken and written contexts.
彼は政府の政策を批判した。
He criticized the government's policy.
上司に批判されて落ち込んだ。
I felt down after being criticized by my boss.
Stronger than 批判する, implying blame or condemnation. Often used when the criticism is harsh or public.
メディアは彼の行動を非難した。
The media criticized (condemned) his actions.
To speak ill of, run down, or disparage. More colloquial and often implies unfair or petty criticism.
彼はいつも人のことをけなしてばかりいる。
He's always criticizing (running down) others.
To complain or find fault. Often used for minor, everyday criticisms. Literally 'to say complaints'.
彼は料理に文句を言った。
He criticized (complained about) the food.
To offer criticism intended to help someone improve, often in a professional or educational setting.
To point out (a mistake, problem, or area for improvement). More neutral and constructive than 批判する. Commonly used in work or study contexts.
先生に発音の間違いを指摘された。
The teacher pointed out my pronunciation mistakes (criticized my pronunciation constructively).
To give advice. While not a direct translation of 'criticize', it is often the natural way to express constructive criticism in Japanese.
先輩がプレゼンの改善点についてアドバイスをしてくれた。
My senior gave me advice (constructive criticism) on how to improve my presentation.
To express strong disapproval, often in a harsh or attacking manner.
To severely criticize or pan. Often used for reviews of works (movies, books, etc.).
その映画は批評家に酷評された。
The movie was harshly criticized (panned) by critics.
To criticize severely, tear to pieces. Very strong and colloquial.
上司は新入社員の提案をこき下ろした。
The boss harshly criticized (tore apart) the new employee's proposal.
To verbally abuse, insult, or rail at. Implies harsh, often emotional criticism with insulting language.
彼は相手を罵倒した。
He verbally abused (harshly criticized) his opponent.
To criticize someone when they are not present, often about small things.
To badmouth or speak ill of someone behind their back. Very common for describing backbiting or gossipy criticism.
彼女はいつも同僚の陰口を言っている。
She's always criticizing (badmouthing) her colleagues behind their backs.
To find fault, nitpick. Literally 'to search for flaws'. Used when someone is overly critical about minor details.
彼はいつも私の仕事にあら探しをする。
He always finds fault with (nitpicks) my work.
批判する is neutral criticism, often based on analysis or judgment. 非難する is stronger, implying blame or condemnation, and is often used in public or formal contexts. Use 批判する for everyday criticism and 非難する when the criticism is harsh or accusatory.
彼の意見を批判するのは自由だが、人格を非難するのはよくない。
It's fine to criticize his opinion, but it's not good to attack his character.
In casual Japanese, directly saying 批判する can sound too formal or confrontational. Often, softer expressions like 文句を言う (complain) or 指摘する (point out) are more natural, depending on the context. If you want to express that someone is being overly critical, けなす or あら探しをする might be better.