Translation guide
Expressing criticism or pointing out flaws in someone or something. Japanese offers several verbs and phrases that range from mild nitpicking to harsh condemnation.
To express disapproval by identifying mistakes or shortcomings, often in a direct manner.
A general term for criticizing someone or something, often used in formal or serious contexts.
彼は政府の政策を批判した。
He criticized the government's policy.
To express dissatisfaction repeatedly, often about trivial matters.
To express disapproval of someone's actions directly to them, often with authority.
To scold or tell someone off, typically used by a superior or parent.
批判する is neutral criticism, often based on analysis. 非難する is stronger, implying blame or condemnation. Use 批判する for constructive feedback and 非難する for moral outrage.
彼の意見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 opinion, but hard to propose an alternative.
彼は不正を非難する演説を行った。
He gave a speech condemning the injustice.
To blame or condemn, stronger than 批判する. Implies moral disapproval.
メディアは彼の行動を非難した。
The media condemned his actions.
To complain or find fault, often about minor things. Very common in daily conversation.
彼はいつも食事に文句を言う。
He always finds fault with the food.
To nitpick or find fault with something trivial, often in a petty way. Casual.
彼女は私の提案にけちをつけた。
She found fault with my suggestion.
To find fault with or blame, often with a nuance of reproach. Somewhat literary.
彼は私の失敗を咎めた。
He found fault with my mistake.
To grumble or complain, often to someone close, without necessarily seeking a solution.
彼は仕事について愚痴をこぼした。
He complained about his job.
To voice dissatisfaction or grievances. Slightly more formal than 愚痴をこぼす.
彼女は給料に不平を言った。
She complained about her salary.
先生は生徒を叱った。
The teacher scolded the student.
To nag or find fault in a scolding manner, often about small things.
母は私の部屋の汚さに小言を言った。
My mother nagged me about the mess in my room.
The English phrase 'find fault with' does not have a single direct equivalent. Using 欠点を見つける (find flaws) can sound unnatural. Instead, choose a verb or phrase that matches the intensity and context.
The English phrase 'find fault with' does not have a single direct equivalent. Using 欠点を見つける (find flaws) can sound unnatural. Instead, choose a verb or phrase that matches the intensity and context.