Japanese word

説教

Pronunciation

Romajisekkyō

Meaning

  • nounlecture

Example

長い説教は嫌いです。naga i sek kyō wa kira i de su

I dislike long lectures.

Illustration for 説教 (lecture)

More examples

母に説教されて、約束を守る大切さが分かりました。haha ni sek kyō sa re te yaku soku o mamo ru tai setsu sa ga wa ka ri ma shi ta

After my mother lectured me, I understood the importance of keeping my promises.

Core concept

Describes speaking at length to teach, correct, or persuade someone from a position of authority.

Common phrases

  • 説教されるsek kyō sa re ru

    be lectured

  • 説教を受けるsek kyō o u ke ru

    receive a scolding

  • 説教をするsek kyō o su ru

    lecture someone

Similar words

小言kogoto: A reproach aimed at correcting someone's behavior.
訓戒kunkai: A formal warning intended to teach someone to avoid improper behavior.
説諭setsuyu: A formal talk that explains proper conduct and urges someone to follow it.

Definition in Japanese

人に教えや道理を一方的に言い聞かせること。宗教上の教えを説くことや、長々と小言を言うことにもいう。hito ni oshi e ya dō ri o ip pō teki ni i i ki ka se ru ko to shū kyō jō no oshi e o to ku ko to ya naga naga to ko goto o i u ko to ni mo i u

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word combines 説 (setsu, "explain") and 教 (kyō, "teach"), expressing instruction or admonition through speech.

Usage tips

  • The word 説教 (sekkyō) often carries a speaker's judgment about how advice is delivered, not just about the advice itself.

Other meanings

  • sermonnoun
  • scoldingnoun

Related words

  • 説教するsekkyōsurulectureverb
  • 説教者sekkyōshapreachernoun
  • 説教臭いsekkyōkusaipreachyi-adjective

Word lists with this word