小言
Meanings
1
A verbal reprimand, often from a superior or elder, expressing disapproval of someone's actions.
I was late and got a scolding from my boss.
My mother is always lecturing me.
2
complaint; grumbling; fault-finding
Expressing dissatisfaction or finding fault, often in a nagging or petty manner.
He's always complaining; it's tiring to be around him.
Instead of finding fault, why don't you try doing it yourself?
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉に小言を言うto scold/nag someone
My mother nags my little brother every morning.
- 小言を食うto get scolded (colloquial)
I forgot my homework and got scolded by the teacher.
- 小言が多いto be full of nagging complaints
My boss is someone who nags a lot.
- 小言を並べるto list one's complaints one after another
She's always listing complaints about the housework.