Translation guide
To express disapproval or criticism, often with the intent to correct behavior. In Japanese, the appropriate expression depends on the relationship, severity, and context.
To gently point out a mistake or misbehavior, often in a caring or informal way.
The most common word for scolding or reproving, used in everyday situations like a parent to a child or a teacher to a student.
母は私を叱った。
My mother reproved me.
先生は遅刻した生徒を叱った。
The teacher reproved the student who was late.
Literally 'to caution' or 'to warn'. Used when giving a mild reproof or pointing out a fault, often in a more polite or formal setting.
上司は彼の服装について注意した。
The boss reproved him about his attire.
To nag or find fault in a complaining manner. Often used for persistent, minor reproofs, like a spouse or parent grumbling.
彼女はいつも私に小言を言う。
She is always reproving me.
To issue a formal statement of disapproval, often in a workplace, academic, or official context.
A formal term for reprimanding or rebuking, used in official settings like a company or school.
彼は上司から厳しく叱責された。
He was severely reproved by his boss.
A very formal, often written term for reprimand, used in official documents or legal contexts.
委員会はその行為を譴責した。
The committee reproved the conduct.
To express strong disapproval or anger, often with sharp words.
To scold harshly or angrily. Implies a stronger, more emotional reproof than 叱る.
父親は息子を叱りつけた。
The father reproved his son harshly.
To yell at someone in anger. While not a direct translation of 'reprove', it is often the natural way to express strong verbal reproof.
To reprove someone with the aim of guiding them morally or ethically, often in a calm but firm manner.
To admonish or counsel someone, often with patience and for their own good. Used when the reproof is meant to enlighten or guide.
先生は生徒の過ちを優しく諭した。
The teacher gently reproved the student's mistake.
To warn or admonish against wrongdoing. Often used in a moral or disciplinary context.
叱る implies a stronger emotional component and is often used in hierarchical relationships (parent-child, teacher-student). 注意する is milder and more about pointing out a problem, suitable for peers or formal situations.
Direct translations like '非難する' (to blame/criticize) are often too strong and accusatory. Use the options above based on the intended nuance.
He reproved his subordinate loudly.
彼は怠惰を戒めた。
He reproved laziness.