Translation guide
The English word 'reprimand' covers a range of situations, from a mild scolding to a formal disciplinary action. In Japanese, the appropriate expression depends on the relationship, severity, and context. This guide helps you choose the right word or phrase.
To express disapproval or anger toward someone for doing something wrong, often in a personal or informal context.
The most common and general verb for scolding or telling someone off. Used by parents, teachers, bosses, etc.
My mother scolded me for being late.
The teacher reprimanded the student for their bad behavior.
Means 'to get angry' and often implies scolding. More emotional than 叱る. Can be used when someone is visibly upset.
My father got angry (and scolded me) when he saw my grades.
A variant kanji for 叱る, but 叱る is more common. Rarely used in modern writing.
My mother scolded me.
To issue a formal or official reprimand, often in a professional or institutional setting.
A formal noun meaning 'reprimand' or 'rebuke'. Often used in workplace or official contexts. Can be used with する to mean 'to reprimand'.
He received a severe reprimand from his boss.
Refers to disciplinary action, including formal reprimands. Often used in legal or corporate contexts.
A very formal and somewhat dated term for an official reprimand, often used in government or legal documents.
To express mild disapproval, often in a gentle or indirect way.
Literally 'to say a small thing', meaning to nag or give a mild scolding. Often used for minor complaints.
My mother is always nagging me (giving me mild reprimands).
Means 'to warn' or 'to give a caution'. It's a softer way to reprimand, often used when pointing out a mistake.
To express strong anger or to give a harsh reprimand.
To scold harshly or to give someone a dressing-down. Implies a loud, angry reprimand.
The department head gave the subordinate who made a mistake a severe dressing-down.
To yell at someone in anger. Often implies a reprimand delivered by shouting.
叱る (shikaru) focuses on the act of scolding with the intention of correcting behavior, often from a position of authority (parent, teacher). 怒る (okoru) means 'to get angry' and may or may not involve scolding; it emphasizes the emotional state. A parent can 叱る a child without being 怒る, but often both occur together.
Avoid directly translating 'reprimand' as a single word in casual conversation. In everyday Japanese, people more naturally use 叱る or 注意する. Using formal terms like 叱責 in casual speech can sound stiff or unnatural.
To reprimand someone for a rule violation.
会社は彼に懲戒処分を下した。
The company took disciplinary action against him (including a reprimand).
He received a reprimand (official disciplinary measure).
The teacher cautioned me not to be late.
彼は私に怒鳴った。
He yelled at me (as a reprimand).