Translation guide
How to express speaking in a sharp, harsh, or cutting manner in Japanese. The best choice depends on the nuance: scolding, snapping, using a harsh tone, or making a cutting remark.
To speak sharply to someone because they did something wrong, often with anger or authority.
The most common word for scolding or telling someone off. It implies a clear power relationship (parent to child, boss to subordinate).
My mother scolded me sharply.
To shout angrily at someone. Stronger than 叱る, implies raised voice.
The boss shouted sharply.
To scold harshly or rebuke strongly. More intense than 叱る.
The teacher spoke sharply to the student.
To reply or say something in a quick, irritated, sharp tone, often in a moment of annoyance.
A natural way to say 'speak sharply/harshly'. きつい means harsh, severe, or sharp.
He spoke sharply to me.
To speak in a curt, brusque, or blunt manner. Often used for short, dismissive replies.
Literally 'to bite', but figuratively means to snap at someone verbally. Strong and confrontational.
To speak in a way that is sharp, cutting, or piercing, often without shouting.
Literally 'say in a sharp tone'. 鋭い means sharp (like a blade) and describes a piercing manner of speech.
He objected in a sharp tone.
To speak with a barbed or prickly tone. とげ means thorn, implying words that sting.
To say something sharp and hurtful, often a single comment or retort.
She said 'no' sharply.
彼はすぐに噛みつくように言い返した。
He snapped back sharply.
Her words were sharp.
She laughed and made a sharp, sarcastic remark.