Translation guide
Expressing strong disapproval or harsh judgment in Japanese. The best choice depends on the nature of the criticism (verbal attack, formal censure, scolding, etc.) and the relationship between the people involved.
To express strong, often emotional, criticism that attacks someone's actions or character.
The most general and common word for criticism or blame. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
彼はその決定に対して厳しい非難を浴びせた。
He leveled severe criticism at the decision.
Harsh criticism or a scathing review, often used for critiques of works (books, movies, art).
その映画は批評家から酷評された。
The movie received severe criticism from critics.
Scathing or biting criticism. 痛烈 means 'severe' or 'biting', and 批判 is a more analytical criticism.
彼の政策は痛烈な批判を受けた。
His policy came under severe criticism.
To express official or formal disapproval, often in a workplace or institutional setting.
A formal reprimand or censure, often used in official contexts like companies or schools.
彼は規則違反で譴責処分を受けた。
He received a formal reprimand for violating the rules.
A scolding or reprimand, often from a superior. Stronger than a mild scolding.
To express strong verbal disapproval in a personal context, like a parent to a child or a teacher to a student.
To scold severely. 叱る is the general verb for scolding, and adding 厳しく makes it severe.
母親は子供を厳しく叱った。
The mother severely scolded her child.
A colloquial expression meaning to get a severe scolding or dressing-down. Literally 'to eat a big eyeball'.
遅刻して部長に大目玉を食らった。
I was late and got a severe telling-off from the department head.
To publicly and strongly criticize something as wrong or evil.
Denunciation or condemnation, often used in political or social contexts to criticize wrongdoing.
野党は政府の対応を厳しく糾弾した。
The opposition party severely denounced the government's response.
A storm of criticism; being loudly criticized by many people. A set phrase.
その発言は非難轟々だった。
The remark drew a storm of severe criticism.
非難 (ひなん) is blame or criticism with a negative emotional charge. 批判 (ひはん) is more analytical criticism, evaluating merits and demerits. 批評 (ひひょう) is critique or review, often of artistic works. For 'severe criticism', 非難 or 痛烈な批判 are most direct.
彼の行動は非難されるべきだ。
His actions should be criticized (blamed).
その計画には批判的な意見が多い。
There are many critical opinions about the plan.
While 厳しい (きびしい) can mean 'severe', it is not always the best collocation. For criticism, 厳しい非難 is natural, but 痛烈な批判 or 酷評 may be more idiomatic depending on context. Avoid directly translating 'severe' as ひどい in this context, as it can sound childish or overly emotional.
上司から厳しい叱責を受けた。
I received a severe reprimand from my boss.