Translation guide
How to express criticism in Japanese, from gentle feedback to harsh blame.
To tell someone they did something wrong, often with a desire to correct or improve.
General term for criticizing, often used for opinions, actions, or policies. Can be formal or neutral.
彼の意見を批判した。
I criticized his opinion.
Stronger than 批判, implies blame or condemnation. Often used for moral or public criticism.
メディアは政府の対応を非難した。
The media criticized the government's response.
To point out a specific issue or mistake, often in a constructive or factual manner.
上司にミスを指摘された。
My boss pointed out my mistake.
To blame or accuse someone, often emotionally. Can be used in personal relationships.
彼は私を責めた。
He blamed me.
To express that something is not good, often in a review or assessment context.
To critique or review, often used for works of art, literature, or performances. Can be positive or negative.
映画を批評する記事を書いた。
I wrote an article criticizing the movie.
To harshly criticize or pan, especially in reviews. Strongly negative.
その小説は酷評された。
The novel was harshly criticized.
To express dissatisfaction or annoyance about someone or something in everyday conversation.
To complain or grumble. Very common in casual speech.
彼はいつも文句を言っている。
He's always complaining.
To grumble or vent frustrations, often to a sympathetic listener. More about letting off steam than direct criticism.
友達に仕事の愚痴をこぼした。
I complained about work to my friend.
To nitpick or find fault with something trivial. Casual and slightly negative.
彼は私の提案にケチをつけた。
He found fault with my suggestion.
To criticize someone's behavior directly, often from a position of authority.
To scold or tell off, typically used by parents, teachers, or bosses.
先生は遅刻した生徒を叱った。
The teacher scolded the student who was late.
To warn or caution someone about their behavior. Softer than 叱る, often used in workplace or public settings.
駅員に注意された。
I was told off by the station attendant.
批判 is objective criticism, often constructive. 非難 is stronger, implying blame or attack. Use 批判 for analysis, 非難 for condemnation.
彼の政策を批判するのは簡単だが、代案を出すのは難しい。
It's easy to criticize his policies, but hard to propose alternatives.
彼女は不正を非難した。
She condemned the injustice.
English 'criticize' covers many nuances. In Japanese, choose the word based on context: 批判 for analysis, 非難 for blame, 指摘 for pointing out, 叱る for scolding. Using the wrong one can sound too harsh or too weak.