noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb, intransitive verb
Buddhist sermon; preaching the Dharma
Specifically a Buddhist lecture or sermon expounding the teachings. Used in religious contexts.
お坊さんが説法を始めた。
The monk began his sermon.
彼は寺
He preaches at the temple.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb, intransitive verb
lecturing; preaching; moralizing
Figurative use: giving a long, often unwelcome, lecture or scolding, as if preaching. Often implies the speaker is being self-righteous or condescending.
父は遅く帰った私に長々と説法した。
My father gave me a long lecture for coming home late.
彼の説法にはもううんざりだ。
I'm fed up with his preaching.