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).
母は私を厳しく叱った。
My mother scolded me sharply.
To shout angrily at someone. Stronger than 叱る, implies raised voice.
上司は大声で怒鳴った。
The boss shouted sharply.
To scold harshly or rebuke strongly. More intense than 叱る.
先生は生徒を𠮟りつけた。
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.
彼は私にきつく言った。
He spoke sharply to me.
To speak in a curt, brusque, or blunt manner. Often used for short, dismissive replies.
彼女はつっけんどんに「いいえ」と言った。
She said 'no' sharply.
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.
彼は鋭い口調で反論した。
He objected in a sharp tone.
To speak with a barbed or prickly tone. とげ means thorn, implying words that sting.
彼女の言葉にはとげがあった。
Her words were sharp.
To say something sharp and hurtful, often a single comment or retort.
To say something caustic or biting. 辛辣 means severe, bitter, or cutting.
彼は辛辣な批判をした。
He made a sharp criticism.
To make a sarcastic or ironic remark. Often used for sharp, indirect criticism.
彼女は皮肉を言って笑った。
She laughed and made a sharp, sarcastic remark.
彼はすぐに噛みつくように言い返した。
He snapped back sharply.