noun
A verbal reprimand, often from a superior or elder, expressing disapproval of someone's actions.
遅刻して、上司から小言を言われた。
I was late and got a scolding from my boss.
母はいつも私に小言ばかり言う。
My mother is always lecturing me.
noun
complaint; grumbling; fault-finding
Expressing dissatisfaction or finding fault, often in a nagging or petty manner.
彼はいつも小言ばかりで、一緒にいると疲れる。
He's always complaining; it's tiring to be around him.
小言を言う前に、自分でやってみたらどうですか。
Instead of finding fault, why don't you try doing it yourself?
叱る is a verb meaning 'to scold' or 'to reprimand', focusing on the act of scolding. 小言 is a noun referring to the scolding words themselves or the act of complaining.
文句 is a more common and broader word for 'complaint' or 'objection'. 小言 often implies a nagging, petty, or fault-finding tone, while 文句 can be used for formal complaints as well.
Compound of 小 (small, petty) and 言 (word, speech), literally 'small words', referring to petty scolding or complaints.