叱る

• Reading: しかる
• Romaji: shikaru
• Kanji breakdown: 叱 (shitsu/shika) — scold, rebuke, reprimand
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.ka.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To scold; to chide; to reprimand. Telling someone off for doing something wrong.

A Group 1 (godan) verb with る ending (stem ends in ら: 叱らない). Implies correcting someone out of concern, unlike 怒る (to get angry) which focuses on the emotion. Japanese parenting and education discussions often distinguish between 叱る (constructive scolding) and 怒る (emotional anger).

Examples

1. 宿題を忘れて先生に叱られた。 I forgot my homework and got scolded by the teacher.
2. 子供を叱るときは理由を説明したほうがいい。 When scolding a child, it's better to explain the reason.
3. 母に遅く帰ったことを叱られました。 My mother scolded me for coming home late.

Usage Guide

Context: education, family, workplace

Tone: stern

Origin & History

The kanji 叱 (shitsu/shika) combines 口 (mouth) and 七 (seven), suggesting sharp words coming from the mouth. Originally meant to shout or rebuke.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal