Japanese word

責める

Pronunciation

Romajisemeru

Meaning

  • verbblame

Example

何でも自分を責めないでください。nan de mo ji bun o se me na i de ku da sa i

Please do not blame yourself for everything.

Illustration for 責める (blame)

More examples

証拠もないのに、友達を責めてはいけません。shō ko mo na i no ni tomo dachi o se me te wa i ke ma se n

You must not blame your friend without any evidence.

Core concept

Places responsibility for a problem on a person and reproaches that person for it.

Common phrases

  • 自分を責めるji bun o se me ru

    blame oneself

  • 誰かを責めるdare ka o se me ru

    blame someone

  • 不当に責めるfu tō ni se me ru

    blame unfairly

Similar words

非難するhinansuru: To say that someone's actions or behavior are wrong and show strong disapproval.
咎めるtogameru: To point out a person's fault or wrongdoing and criticize it.
なじるnajiru: To express angry reproach toward a person for a mistake or fault.

Definition in Japanese

過ちや不都合の責任を自分や相手に負わせるように非難する。ayama chi ya fu tsu gō no seki nin o ji bun ya ai te ni o wa se ru yō ni hi nan su ru

Word origin

責める (semeru) is a native Japanese verb that developed from the older form 責む (semu), a verb meaning "to blame."

Usage tips

  • The phrase 自分を責める (jibun o semeru) describes blaming oneself after a mistake, while the same verb can also target another person.

Other meanings

  • accuseverb
  • criticizeverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 責め方semekataway of blamingnoun

Word lists with this word