How to say "criticize" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 責めるせめるichidan verb, transitive verbCovers the sense of criticizing someone by holding them responsible for a fault or failure; the emphasis is on blame directed at a person. Typical when you fault someone for a mistake they made.
- 咎めるとがめるichidan verb, transitive verbCovers reproaching or censuring someone for wrongdoing, with a somewhat formal or moralizing tone. Use it for finding fault with another's conduct on moral grounds rather than for everyday criticism.
- 叩くたたくgodan verb, transitive verbCovers attacking or bashing someone or something with harsh criticism, as in media or public criticism of a policy, performance, or person. It suggests a forceful, one-sided verbal attack rather than measured censure.
For 'criticize', 「責める」 covers blaming someone for a fault, 「咎める」 covers reproaching or censuring wrongdoing, and 「叩く」 covers harshly attacking or bashing someone's work or conduct.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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