Translation guide
How to express scolding, reprimanding, or telling someone off in Japanese, from mild to severe.
To express anger or disapproval about someone's behavior, often verbally.
To tell someone off in a more formal or serious manner, often with a lecture.
To warn or caution someone, often used in workplace or school settings. Less emotional than 叱る.
先生は廊下を走っている生徒に注意した。
The teacher told off the students running in the hallway.
To express telling off in informal, everyday conversation.
Literally 'to say with a bang', meaning to give someone a sharp telling-off. Casual.
あの店員の態度が悪かったから、ガツンと言ってやった。
That clerk had a bad attitude, so I told him off.
叱る (shikaru) focuses on the act of scolding with the intention to correct behavior, while 怒る (okoru) focuses on the emotion of anger. 叱る is often seen as more constructive, whereas 怒る can be just an emotional outburst.
彼は子供を叱ったが、怒ってはいなかった。
He scolded the child but wasn't angry.
Do not translate 'tell off' literally as 言う (iu) + オフ (ofu). There is no direct equivalent; use the verbs above depending on context.
My mother told me off for being late.
先生は生徒たちを叱った。
The teacher scolded the students.
Means 'to get angry' and can imply scolding. Often used when someone is visibly upset.
父は私が嘘をついたので怒った。
My father got angry and told me off for lying.
To scold harshly or give a severe telling-off. Stronger than 叱る.
上司はミスをした部下を𠮟りつけた。
The boss gave the subordinate a severe telling-off for the mistake.
To give a lecture or preach, often used when someone is being told off at length.
母は私に一時間も説教した。
My mother told me off for an hour.
To scold fiercely or yell at someone. Strong and colloquial.
コーチは選手を𠮟り飛ばした。
The coach really told off the players.