Translation guide
The English verb 'scold' means to criticize someone angrily for doing something wrong. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 叱る (しかる), but there are many other expressions depending on the relationship, severity, and context.
To express anger or disapproval for a mistake or misbehavior, typically in a hierarchical relationship.
The standard verb for scolding. Used when a superior (parent, teacher, boss) reprimands someone for doing something wrong. It implies a sense of correction and guidance.
My mother scolded me for being late.
The teacher scolded the student for carelessness.
Literally 'to get angry'. Often used in the same contexts as 叱る, but focuses more on the emotional state of the scolder. Can be used for scolding, but also just for being angry without scolding.
怒る can simply mean 'get angry' without the corrective nuance of 叱る. Use 叱る when you specifically mean 'scold'.
My father got angry (scolded me) because I lied.
A variant kanji for 叱る, sometimes used in formal writing. Same meaning and reading.
The teacher scolded the student.
To scold harshly, often with raised voice, implying strong anger.
To scold fiercely, to give someone a good scolding. Implies a loud, intense reprimand.
The department head gave the subordinate who made a mistake a severe scolding.
To shout angrily, to yell at someone. Often used when scolding involves yelling.
怒鳴る focuses on the act of shouting, not necessarily the corrective intent. It can be used for any angry yelling.
To scold sharply, to rebuke sternly. Similar to 叱り飛ばす but slightly less intense.
To express disapproval by complaining or nagging, often about minor things.
To complain, to grumble, to nag. Often used when someone scolds by pointing out faults repeatedly.
My wife nags me about my messy habits.
To scold or complain in a sharp, persistent, and annoying way. Onomatopoeic for nagging.
My mother is always nagging me to clean up.
To scold in a formal setting, such as a workplace or school, often with a sense of official censure.
To scold by giving a long, moralizing speech about what someone did wrong.
To scold gently, often with affection or humor, not serious anger.
叱る (shikaru) implies scolding with the intention of correcting behavior, often from a position of authority or care. 怒る (okoru) simply means to get angry, and may not involve any verbal scolding. When a parent scolds a child for their own good, 叱る is more appropriate. When someone just gets mad and yells, 怒る is used.
My mother scolded me, but she wasn't angry.
While 叱る is the closest equivalent, English 'scold' can sometimes be translated more naturally with other expressions depending on the situation. For example, 'scold' in the sense of 'tell off' might be better as 怒る or 叱り飛ばす. Always consider the intensity and relationship.
彼は子供たちに怒鳴った。
He yelled at the children.
The teacher scolded the late student sharply.
He pretended to be angry and scolded me.