How to say "dressing-down" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- nounCovers the harsh sense of 'dressing-down': a rough scolding, upbraiding or tongue-lashing. It is a less common word, usually written in kana alone, fitting when someone is severely chewed out.
- お目玉おめだまnounCovers the milder sense of 'dressing-down': a scolding, telling-off or talking-to rather than a harsh tongue-lashing. It is also less common, fitting an ordinary reprimand such as one from a boss or parent.
Both are less common ways to say 'dressing-down': pick 「けんつく」 for a rough, harsh scolding or tongue-lashing, and 「お目玉」 for an ordinary telling-off or talking-to.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
