Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Admonish" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "admonish", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
嗜める
たしなめる (tashinameru)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
諭す
さとす (satosu)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "admonish" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 嗜める and 諭す.
In Japanese, 嗜める (たしなめる (tashinameru)) is typically associated with "to admonish, to reprove, to caution (gently)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents 目上の人が目下の人に対し、欠点や誤りを指摘し、注意や忠告を与えるときに使う言葉です。比較的穏やかな注意を指します。.
On the other hand, 諭す (さとす (satosu)) maps to "admonish, persuade" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "admonish" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "嗜める"
彼は会議中に居眠りをしたので、上司に嗜められた。
He dozed off during the meeting, so he was gently admonished by his boss.
Bilingual Context for "諭す"
私は諭すに興味があります。
I am interested in admonish, persuade.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は会議中に居眠りをしたので、上司に嗜められた。" (Meaning: "He dozed off during the meeting, so he was gently admonished by his boss.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "嗜める" fits here because it means "to admonish, to reprove, to caution (gently)" in the context of: "He dozed off during the meeting, so he was gently admonished by his boss.". "諭す" represents "admonish, persuade".