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.
母は私を遅刻で叱った。
My mother scolded me for being late.
先生は生徒の不注意を叱った。
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'.
父は私が嘘をついたので怒った。
My father got angry (scolded me) because I lied.
A variant kanji for 叱る, sometimes used in formal writing. Same meaning and reading.
先生は生徒を𠮟った。
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.
部長はミスをした部下を叱り飛ばした。
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 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.
妻は私の散らかし癖に小言を言う。
My wife nags me about my messy habits.
To scold or complain in a sharp, persistent, and annoying way. Onomatopoeic for nagging.
母はいつも私に片付けろとがみがみ言う。
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 reprimand, to rebuke formally. Used in official contexts like a boss reprimanding an employee.
上司は彼の無断欠勤を叱責した。
The boss reprimanded him for his unauthorized absence.
A very formal term for reprimand, often used in legal or disciplinary contexts.
裁判官は弁護士を譴責した。
The judge reprimanded the lawyer.
To scold by giving a long, moralizing speech about what someone did wrong.
To preach, to lecture, to give a sermon. Often used when someone scolds by giving a long, moralizing talk.
父は私に遅く帰ったことで説教した。
My father lectured me about coming home late.
A noun meaning 'lecture' or 'scolding' in a moralizing sense. Often used with する.
また母のお説教が始まった。
Mom's lecture started again.
To scold gently, often with affection or humor, not serious anger.
Even 叱る can be used for light scolding depending on tone and context.
彼女は彼の冗談を軽く叱った。
She lightly scolded him for his joke.
To pretend to be angry, to scold playfully.
彼は怒ったふりをして私を𠮟った。
He pretended to be angry and scolded me.
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.
母は私を叱ったが、怒っていなかった。
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.
To scold sharply, to rebuke sternly. Similar to 叱り飛ばす but slightly less intense.
先生は遅刻した生徒を𠮟りつけた。
The teacher scolded the late student sharply.