Translation guide
The English word "censure" refers to strong criticism or official reprimand. In Japanese, the best equivalent depends on context: formal reprimands, public condemnation, or informal scolding. This guide covers common Japanese expressions for expressing disapproval, from official sanctions to everyday criticism.
To express formal, often institutional, disapproval or punishment, such as by a government, organization, or superior.
General term for criticism or blame, often used in formal contexts. Can be used for public censure.
彼の行動は厳しい非難を受けた。
His actions received severe censure.
Stronger than 非難; implies denunciation or condemnation, often in political or public contexts.
野党は政府の政策を糾弾した。
The opposition party censured the government's policy.
Formal reprimand, often used in official or disciplinary contexts (e.g., workplace, parliament). Less common in everyday speech.
彼は職務怠慢で譴責処分を受けた。
He received a censure for negligence of duty.
To express disapproval or criticism in a public or social context, such as media, community, or general opinion.
Common word for criticism. Can range from mild to strong, often used in media and everyday conversation.
その記事は政府を厳しく批判している。
The article strongly censures the government.
Overlaps with 批判 but often implies moral blame or reproach. Suitable for public censure.
Loanword from English 'bashing', meaning harsh public criticism or censure, often by media or online.
To express personal disapproval or reprimand, often in a hierarchical relationship (parent-child, boss-subordinate).
To scold or reprimand. Common in everyday situations, from mild to stern.
先生は遅刻した生徒を叱った。
The teacher censured the student for being late.
Formal reprimand, stronger than 叱る. Often used in official or disciplinary settings.
To find fault with, to reproach. Can imply a softer or more indirect censure, sometimes with a nuance of moral judgment.
To convey intense censure, often with moral outrage or strong language.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'a storm of criticism' or 'loud censure'. Used when many people are strongly criticizing.
その発言は非難轟々だった。
The remark drew a storm of censure.
Phrase meaning 'scathing criticism' or 'severe censure'. Used for very harsh public or media criticism.
新聞は痛烈な批判を掲載した。
The newspaper published a scathing censure.
非難 (ひなん) is general blame or reproach, often with a moral tone. 批判 (ひはん) is more analytical criticism, evaluating merits and demerits. 糾弾 (きゅうだん) is strong denunciation, often in political or public scandals. For official censure, 非難 or 譴責 (けんせき) are common. For everyday scolding, use 叱る (しかる).
There is no single Japanese verb that perfectly matches 'to censure' in all contexts. Use 非難する (ひなんする) for formal criticism, 批判する (ひはんする) for general criticism, or 叱る (しかる) for scolding. Using 譴責する (けんせきする) is very formal and limited to official reprimands.
His misconduct drew public censure.
その俳優はSNSでバッシングを受けた。
The actor was censured on social media.
上司は彼のミスを厳しく𠮟責した。
The boss severely censured him for his mistake.
彼は友人の嘘を咎めた。
He censured his friend for lying.