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.
He criticized the government's policy.
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.
The media criticized (condemned) his actions.
To speak ill of, run down, or disparage. More colloquial and often implies unfair or petty criticism.
He's always criticizing (running down) others.
To complain or find fault. Often used for minor, everyday criticisms. Literally 'to say complaints'.
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.
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.
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.).
The movie was harshly criticized (panned) by critics.
To criticize severely, tear to pieces. Very strong and colloquial.
To verbally abuse, insult, or rail at. Implies harsh, often emotional criticism with insulting language.
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.
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.
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.
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.
My senior gave me advice (constructive criticism) on how to improve my presentation.
The boss harshly criticized (tore apart) the new employee's proposal.
He always finds fault with (nitpicks) my work.