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.
I criticized his opinion.
Stronger than 批判, implies blame or condemnation. Often used for moral or public criticism.
The media criticized the government's response.
To point out a specific issue or mistake, often in a constructive or factual manner.
My boss pointed out my mistake.
To blame or accuse someone, often emotionally. Can be used in personal relationships.
He blamed me.
To express that something is not good, often in a review or assessment context.
To express dissatisfaction or annoyance about someone or something in everyday conversation.
To complain or grumble. Very common in casual speech.
He's always complaining.
To grumble or vent frustrations, often to a sympathetic listener. More about letting off steam than direct criticism.
To nitpick or find fault with something trivial. Casual and slightly negative.
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.
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.
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.
It's easy to criticize his policies, but hard to propose alternatives.
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.
I complained about work to my friend.