Translation guide
A telling-off is a sharp verbal reprimand, often from a parent, teacher, or boss. In Japanese, this is expressed through specific verbs and nouns that convey scolding, lecturing, or a stern warning.
To express the act of telling someone off for their behavior or mistake.
The most common verb for scolding or telling off, used especially by parents, teachers, or superiors.
母は私を遅刻で叱った。
My mother told me off for being late.
先生は生徒を厳しく叱った。
The teacher scolded the student harshly.
Means 'to get angry' and often implies telling someone off in anger. More emotional than 叱る.
Can simply mean 'to be angry' without the telling-off nuance. Context is key.
父は私の成績を見て怒った。
My dad got angry and told me off when he saw my grades.
A formal noun meaning 'reprimand' or 'rebuke', used in official or workplace contexts.
彼は上司から厳しい𠮟責を受けた。
He received a severe reprimand from his boss.
To express a lengthy telling-off that involves lecturing or moralizing.
A noun meaning 'sermon' or 'lecture', often used for a long, preachy telling-off. Commonly used with する.
母は私に長い説教をした。
My mother gave me a long telling-off.
また説教かよ。
Another lecture? (casual complaint)
Polite prefix お added to 説教, often used when referring to a telling-off from a superior or parent with a touch of sarcasm or respect.
部長からお説教を食らった。
I got a telling-off from the department head.
A compound verb meaning 'to bawl out' or 'to give a harsh scolding', implying a loud and intense telling-off.
To express a light scolding or warning, often between friends or family.
Means 'warning' or 'caution', and can be used for a mild telling-off. Often used with する.
先生に廊下を走らないように注意された。
The teacher told me off for running in the hallway.
Literally 'to say small things', meaning to nag or give a minor telling-off, often about trivial matters.
妻はいつも私に小言を言う。
My wife is always telling me off about little things.
叱る (shikaru) focuses on the act of scolding with the intention of correcting behavior, often from a position of authority. 怒る (okoru) means 'to get angry' and may or may not include a verbal telling-off. When you want to emphasize the reprimand itself, use 叱る.
To say you 'got told off', use the passive form: 叱られる (shikarareru) or 説教される (sekkyō sareru). This is very common and natural.
子供の頃、よく母に叱られた。
When I was a child, I often got told off by my mother.
コーチは選手を𠮟り飛ばした。
The coach bawled out the players.