Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Scold" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "scold", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
叱る
しかる (shikaru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
なじる
なじる (najiru)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "scold" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 叱る and なじる.
In Japanese, 叱る (しかる (shikaru)) is typically associated with "to scold, to reprimand" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Transitive verb. Used when reprimanding someone for a mistake or bad behavior. Stronger than just warning. Opposite of 褒める.
On the other hand, なじる (なじる (najiru)) maps to "scold, rebuke" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "scold" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "叱る"
母がいたずらした弟を叱りました。
My mother scolded my brother who was mischievous.
Bilingual Context for "なじる"
私はなじるに興味があります。
I am interested in scold, rebuke.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "母がいたずらした弟を叱りました。" (Meaning: "My mother scolded my brother who was mischievous.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "叱る" fits here because it means "to scold, to reprimand" in the context of: "My mother scolded my brother who was mischievous.". "なじる" represents "scold, rebuke".