非難を浴びる

• Reading: ひなんをあびる
• Romaji: hinan wo abiru
• Kanji breakdown: 非 (hi) — wrong, fault; 難 (nan) — difficulty, blame; 浴 (a) — bathe, shower
• Pronunciation: /hi.naɴ.o.a.bi.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To come under attack; to face harsh criticism; to be showered with blame or condemnation.

A verbal expression combining 非難 (criticism/condemnation) with を浴びる (to be showered with/bathed in). The metaphor of 浴びる (to bathe in) conveys being overwhelmed by incoming criticism from many directions. Common in news reporting about politicians, companies, or public figures facing backlash. Often appears in passive-like constructions describing the recipient of criticism.

Examples

1. 不適切な発言で非難を浴びた政治家が謝罪した。 A politician who was showered with criticism over an inappropriate remark issued an apology.
2. その企業は環境問題への対応の遅さで非難を浴びている。 That company is facing a barrage of criticism for its slow response to environmental issues.
3. 彼は周囲から非難を浴びても自分の信念を曲げなかった。 Even as he was pelted with criticism from those around him, he refused to abandon his beliefs.

Usage Guide

Context: news, politics, corporate affairs, public discourse

Tone: critical

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 非難 (hinan, criticism: 非 'wrong' + 難 'difficulty/blame') + を浴びる (wo abiru, to be showered with). The verb 浴びる literally means to bathe or be doused, creating a vivid metaphor of being drenched in criticism.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated