How to say "telling-off" in Japanese

• 小言こごとCommon
  nounThe everyday word for a telling-off or scolding, often minor and repeated rather than a single fierce rebuke; also covers grumbling lectures. The default choice in most contexts.
  私が他ほかの子供こどもたちに言いった小言こごとはお前まえには当あてはまらないよ。↗

  The scolding I gave to the other children doesn't apply to you.
• お目玉おめだま
  nounA talking-to or dressing-down, typically from someone above you such as a boss or teacher. Less common than 小言; use it when you want to emphasise being hauled up and scolded.
• お小言おこごと
  nounThe honorific form of 小言, with the same senses of scolding, telling-off, rebuke or lecture. Less common; use it when speaking politely, for example about someone else's scolding.

Use 小言 for an ordinary telling-off or grumbling rebuke; 「お目玉」 for a dressing-down from a superior; 「お小言」 is simply the politer variant of 小言 with the same meaning.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 小言こごとscolding
• お目玉おめだまscolding
• お小言おこごとscolding
• 注意ちゅういadmonishment