責める

• Reading: せめる
• Romaji: semeru
• Kanji breakdown: 責 (seki/se) — blame, condemn, responsibility
• Pronunciation: /se.me.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To condemn; to blame; to criticise. Holding someone accountable for a fault or wrongdoing.

A Group 2 (ichidan) transitive verb. Used for blaming others (人を責める), self-blame (自分を責める), and criticism (失敗を責める). Distinct from 攻める (to attack, same pronunciation). Carries emotional weight — often implies moral judgement. Common patterns include 責められる (to be blamed, passive) and 自分を責めないで (don't blame yourself). The related noun 責任 (responsibility) shares the 責 kanji.

Examples

1. 失敗した自分を責めてもしかたがない。 There's no point blaming yourself for failing.
2. 彼女はミスをした部下を厳しく責めた。 She harshly blamed her subordinate for the mistake.
3. 誰も悪くないのに互いを責めてしまった。 Even though nobody was at fault, they ended up blaming each other.

Usage Guide

Context: interpersonal, self-reflection, workplace

Tone: serious

Origin & History

The kanji 責 combines 朿 (thorn) and 貝 (shell/wealth). Originally depicted pricking with thorns to demand payment — the sting of being held accountable.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal