Japanese Conversation · Level 128
60 words
Japanese word
咎める
Pronunciation
Romajitogameru
Meaning
- verbcriticize
Example
先生は彼の態度を咎めます。sen sei wa kare no tai do o toga me ma su
The teacher criticizes his behavior.
More examples
先生は彼の失礼な言葉を咎めました。sen sei wa kare no shitsu rei na koto ba o toga me ma shi ta
The teacher criticized his rude words.
Core concept
It presents someone's wrong conduct as a reason for blame or reproach.
Common phrases
人を咎めるhito o toga me ru
criticize someone
態度を咎めるtai do o toga me ru
criticize someone's attitude
言動を咎めるgen dō o toga me ru
criticize someone's words and actions
Similar words
責めるsemeru: To blame someone for a fault or harmful result.
非難するhinansuru: To criticize someone or an action as unacceptable.
叱るshikaru: To scold someone for doing something wrong.
Definition in Japanese
人の過失やよくない行いを非難し、その責任を追及する。hito no ka shitsu ya yo ku na i okona i o hi nan shi so no seki nin o tsui kyū su ru
Word origin
The native Japanese verb 咎める (togameru, "to criticize or blame") is historically related to the older verb 咎む (togamu, "to blame or reproach"), which has the same core meaning.
Usage tips
- In conversation, 咎める (togameru) can sound stronger than a neutral comment because it treats the behavior as a fault deserving blame.