Translation guide
Expressing disapproval or disappointment, from mild criticism to strong blame.
To tell someone they have done something wrong, in a direct or indirect way.
The most common verb for scolding or reproaching someone, typically used by a superior (parent, teacher, boss) to a subordinate.
母は私を遅刻で叱った。
My mother reproached me for being late.
To blame or reproach someone, often with a stronger emotional tone. Can be used between equals.
彼は自分の失敗を私に責めた。
He reproached me for his own mistake.
To criticize or reproach, often in a formal or public context. Implies pointing out faults.
新聞は政府の対応を非難した。
The newspaper reproached the government's response.
To reproach or find fault with, often for a minor offense. Can sound literary or old-fashioned.
彼は私の小さなミスを咎めた。
He reproached me for my small mistake.
To show that someone's actions have upset you, often in a personal relationship.
To complain or express dissatisfaction, often used in everyday situations. Can be a mild reproach.
彼はいつも私の料理に文句を言う。
He always reproaches me about my cooking.
To look at someone with reproach, conveying disappointment non-verbally.
彼女は私を責めるような目で見た。
She looked at me with reproach.
The particle のに at the end of a sentence can express 'if only' or 'even though', implying reproach for an unfulfilled expectation.
もっと早く言ってくれればよかったのに。
If only you had told me earlier (reproach).
To express that you blame yourself for something.
The standard way to say 'reproach oneself'.
彼はその事故で自分を責めた。
He reproached himself for the accident.
To regret; often implies self-reproach. More about the feeling than the act of blaming.
私は自分の決断を後悔している。
I reproach myself for my decision.
To say that something is a disgrace or brings reproach.
Literally 'shame of ~', used to say something is a reproach to a group or person.
彼の行動は家族の恥だ。
His behavior is a reproach to his family.
A stain or blemish on one's reputation; a reproach.
そのスキャンダルは彼の経歴の汚点となった。
The scandal became a reproach on his career.
To say someone or something cannot be criticized.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'flawless' or 'beyond reproach'.
彼の仕事ぶりは非の打ち所がない。
His work is beyond reproach.
Means 'no complaints' or 'perfect', often used to describe something beyond reproach.
彼女の対応は申し分なかった。
Her response was beyond reproach.
English often uses 'reproach' as a noun (e.g., 'a look of reproach'), but Japanese rarely uses a single noun equivalent. Instead, use verb phrases or descriptive expressions like 責めるような目 (reproachful look).
叱る (shikaru) implies a scolding from a position of authority (parent to child, boss to subordinate). 責める (semeru) is more about blaming or accusing, and can be used between equals or even towards oneself. 非難する (hinan suru) is formal and often public criticism.
彼女は彼が記念日を忘れたことを責めた。
She reproached him for forgetting their anniversary.
彼の行動は非の打ち所がない。
His conduct is above reproach.