To blame someone for a fault or to feel guilty about one's own actions.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To hold someone responsible for a mistake or failure.
- Used to express blame or moral judgment towards others.
- Commonly used when someone feels guilty about their own actions.
類語比較
「非難する」はより公的で客観的な批判を指し、「叱る」は目上の者が目下の者を指導する意味合いが強く、教育的なニュアンスがあります。「責める」は、相手の責任を強調する攻撃的な響きがあるため、使用には注意が必要です。
Examples
失敗したことを自分を責めないでください。
everydayPlease don't blame yourself for the failure.
他人の過失を公の場で責めるのは避けるべきです。
formalYou should avoid blaming others' mistakes in public.
そんなに彼を責めるなよ。
informalDon't blame him so much.
社会が個人を責める構造について議論した。
academicWe discussed the structure where society blames the individual.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
自責の念
sense of self-blame
責められる筋合いはない
I have no reason to be blamed
責め苦
torment/torture
Often Confused With
Hinansuru is more formal and objective, often used in news or public statements, whereas semeru is more personal and emotional.
While the kanji is the same, 'seme-ru' as 'to attack' is a physical or strategic action in sports or war, whereas 'semeru' as 'to blame' is psychological.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'semeru' carefully as it implies a direct confrontation. It is common in personal relationships but can be seen as aggressive in formal settings. Always consider the emotional impact on the listener.
Common Mistakes
Beginners sometimes confuse it with 'seme-ru' (to attack). Also, using it too casually can make you sound like you are picking a fight. Remember that it implies finding fault in someone.
Tips
Use with caution in professional settings
The word 'semeru' can sound aggressive. In business, prefer softer alternatives like 'shiteki suru' (to point out) to maintain professional harmony.
Do not confuse with 'seme-ru'
Be careful not to confuse 'semeru' (blame) with 'seme-ru' (to attack/assault). Although they share the same kanji, the context is very different.
The weight of self-blame
In Japanese culture, 'jibun o semeru' (self-blame) is often seen as a sign of reflection, but excessive self-blame is discouraged for mental health.
Word Origin
Derived from the verb 'semu' (to urge or press). It historically evolved to mean pressing someone for their responsibility or guilt.
Cultural Context
In Japan, direct confrontation is often avoided to maintain 'wa' (harmony). Therefore, using 'semeru' is often considered a sign of a serious conflict or emotional breakdown.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'se' sound as 'saying' someone is wrong. If you 'say' they are the reason for a problem, you are 'se-meru' them.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「叱る」は相手の成長を願って指導する教育的な側面がありますが、「責める」は相手の過失を追求し、罪を問うという攻撃的な側面が強いです。
自分の過ちに対して後悔し、自分で自分を厳しく評価することを指します。精神的に辛い状態を表す際によく使われます。
相手を直接的に「責める」という言葉を使うと角が立つため、ビジネスでは「追及する」「指摘する」などの言葉に置き換えるのが無難です。
自分が他人から非難されている状態を表す時に使います。「みんなに責められた」のように被害者的な視点で語る際に用いられます。
Test Yourself
彼は失敗した部下を厳しく___。
失敗した相手に対して責任を問う文脈なので「責めた」が適切です。
「自分を責める」とは？
自分の責任を感じて苦しむことを指します。
（誰を / 責める / 人を / べきではない）
「〜すべきではない」という否定の文法と「人を責める」という動詞句の組み合わせです。
Score: /3
Summary
To blame someone for a fault or to feel guilty about one's own actions.
- To hold someone responsible for a mistake or failure.
- Used to express blame or moral judgment towards others.
- Commonly used when someone feels guilty about their own actions.
Use with caution in professional settings
The word 'semeru' can sound aggressive. In business, prefer softer alternatives like 'shiteki suru' (to point out) to maintain professional harmony.
Do not confuse with 'seme-ru'
Be careful not to confuse 'semeru' (blame) with 'seme-ru' (to attack/assault). Although they share the same kanji, the context is very different.
The weight of self-blame
In Japanese culture, 'jibun o semeru' (self-blame) is often seen as a sign of reflection, but excessive self-blame is discouraged for mental health.
Examples
4 of 4失敗したことを自分を責めないでください。
Please don't blame yourself for the failure.
他人の過失を公の場で責めるのは避けるべきです。
You should avoid blaming others' mistakes in public.
そんなに彼を責めるなよ。
Don't blame him so much.
社会が個人を責める構造について議論した。
We discussed the structure where society blames the individual.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
ぼんやり
B1Vaguely; absentmindedly; dimly.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1To accept; to take; to grasp.
達成感
B1Sense of accomplishment.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1To adapt; to adjust.
健気な
B2Brave, admirable, or plucky (especially of a weaker person).
感心な
B1Admirable; deserving admiration.
感心
B1Admiration, impression, or being impressed.
感心する
B1To be impressed; to admire.
