たしなめる

ichidan verb, transitive verb

reprove gently; chide; rebuke mildly

Used when someone in a position of mild authority (parent, teacher, senior) corrects or scolds someone for a minor fault, often with a nuance of gentle reproof rather than harsh anger. The action is typically verbal and directed at a person.

• 母はは親おやは子こ供どものいたずらを優やさしくたしなめた。

  The mother gently chided her child for the mischief.

• 上じょう司しは遅ち刻こくした部ぶ下かをたしなめた。

  The boss reproved his subordinate for being late.