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.
He leveled severe criticism at the decision.
Harsh criticism or a scathing review, often used for critiques of works (books, movies, art).
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.
His policy came under severe criticism.
To express official or formal disapproval, often in a workplace or institutional setting.
To express strong verbal disapproval in a personal context, like a parent to a child or a teacher to a student.
To publicly and strongly criticize something as wrong or evil.
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.
His actions should be criticized (blamed).
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.
I was late and got a severe telling-off from the department head.
The remark drew a storm of severe criticism.