咎める in 30 Seconds
- To blame or reprimand someone for wrongdoing.
- Assigning fault and expressing disapproval.
- Used in formal and informal contexts for mistakes.
- Opposite of forgiving or overlooking.
- Simple Definition
- To blame someone for something they did wrong, or to scold them for it.
- Nuance
- This verb implies that the speaker believes the person being addressed is at fault and deserves criticism or censure. It can range from a mild admonishment to a serious reprimand, depending on the context and the severity of the action.
- Usage Contexts
- You might hear 咎める (togameru) used by parents scolding children, teachers correcting students, bosses addressing employees, or even friends calling each other out for a mistake. It can also be used in more formal settings, like legal or official contexts, to assign blame. The feeling conveyed can be one of disappointment, frustration, or a sense of justice being upheld.
先生は遅刻した生徒を厳しく咎めました。
友達の嘘を咎めるのは気が引けたが、正直に話すべきだと思った。
- Moral Judgment
- At its core, 咎める involves a moral judgment. The person doing the blaming believes that the action taken was wrong or inappropriate according to certain standards, whether personal, social, or ethical.
- Beyond Simple Correction
- While it can overlap with verbs like 注意する (chūi suru - to warn/caution), 咎める carries a stronger sense of direct accusation and fault-finding. It's less about preventing future mistakes and more about addressing a past transgression.
- Subject-Object Structure
- The most common structure involves a subject who is doing the blaming and an object (person or group) being blamed. The reason for the blame is often indicated by particles like を (o) or こと (koto).
上司は部下のミスを咎めました。
- Blaming Actions or Words
- Instead of blaming a person directly, you can 咎める their specific actions, words, or even their silence. This is often done using nominalized verbs or phrases.
彼は会議での発言を咎められた。
- Self-Blame or Internal Conflict
- While less common in everyday conversation, 咎める can also describe a person blaming themselves or feeling guilt over their own actions, often in a more introspective or literary context.
自分の判断ミスを咎めずにはいられなかった。
- Passive Voice
- The passive form, 咎められる (togamerareru), is frequently used to indicate that someone *is being* blamed or reprimanded.
彼は不正行為で咎められた。
- Negative Forms
- The negative form, 咎めない (togamenai), means 'not to blame' or 'to overlook'. This implies forgiveness or a decision not to hold someone accountable.
今回は彼の失敗を咎めないことにした。
- Family Discussions
- Parents often use 咎める when addressing children who have misbehaved. For example, a parent might say, 「宿題をしないで遊んでいたのを咎めるよ！」 (Shukudai o shinaide asonde ita no o togameru yo! - I'm going to reprimand you for playing instead of doing your homework!). This is a very common scenario where the word is heard.
子供は親に自分の行動を咎められました。
- School Environments
- Teachers might 咎める students for breaking rules, talking in class, or not completing assignments. A teacher might say, 「授業中に私語をしていたことを咎めないわけにはいかない。」 (Jugyō-chū ni shigo o shite ita koto o togamenai wake ni wa ikanai. - I can't help but reprimand you for chatting during class.).
先生は遅刻した理由を咎めた。
- Workplace Scenarios
- In professional settings, a superior might 咎める an employee for a mistake, negligence, or unprofessional conduct. For instance, a manager might state, 「このプロジェクトの遅延について、君の責任を咎めざるを得ない。」 (Kono purojekuto no chien ni tsuite, kimi no sekinin o togmezaresui enai. - I cannot help but blame you for the delay in this project.).
彼は同僚の怠慢を咎めました。
- Legal and Formal Contexts
- In news reports, official statements, or legal proceedings, the word can be used to describe the formal assignment of blame. For example, a news headline might read, 「不正行為の責任を咎められる。」 (Fusei kōi no sekinin o togmerareru. - Responsibility for the fraudulent act is being blamed.).
裁判官は被告人の嘘を咎めました。
- Interpersonal Conflicts
- Even among friends or acquaintances, if someone feels wronged or believes the other person acted inappropriately, they might use 咎める. For instance, someone might say, 「君が約束を破ったことを咎めないわけにはいかない。」 (Kimi ga yakusoku o yabutta koto o togamenai wake ni wa ikanai. - I can't help but blame you for breaking your promise.).
- Confusing with 注意する (chūi suru)
- A common mistake is to use 咎める when a milder form of warning or caution, like 注意する, would be more appropriate. 注意する is generally about advising or alerting someone to potential issues, while 咎める is about assigning blame for something that has already happened. For example, telling someone to be careful crossing the street uses 注意する, not 咎める.
Mistake: 彼は私に遅刻を咎めました。
Correct: 彼は私に遅刻を注意しました。
- Overusing in Casual Situations
- Using 咎める in very casual settings or for minor, insignificant issues can sound overly harsh or accusatory. For instance, if a friend accidentally spills a tiny bit of water, saying 「君の不注意を咎めるよ！」 (Kimi no fuchiūi o togameru yo! - I'm going to blame you for your carelessness!) might be perceived as an overreaction.
Mistake: ちょっとしたミスを咎める。
Better: ちょっとしたミスを見逃す。
- Incorrect Particles
- While を (o) is common, learners might sometimes struggle with which particle to use when specifying what is being blamed. For abstract concepts or reasons, particles like こと (koto) or the nominalized form of a verb are often used, and choosing the wrong one can sound unnatural.
Mistake: 彼の遅刻を咎める。
Correct: 彼の遅刻ということを咎める。
- Using the wrong conjugation
- Like any verb, incorrect conjugation can lead to misunderstanding. Ensuring the correct tense, politeness level, and form (active/passive) are used is crucial for clear communication.
Mistake: 彼は私を咎めるだろう。
Correct: 彼は私を咎めました。
- 咎める (togameru) vs. 注意する (chūi suru)
- 咎める (togameru): To blame, reprimand, rebuke. Implies fault and disapproval of a past action.
注意する (chūi suru): To warn, caution, advise, pay attention. Focuses on preventing future problems or drawing attention to something. It's less accusatory than 咎める. - Example Comparison
- If a child draws on the wall:
Parent: 「壁に絵を描いたのを咎めるよ！」 (Kabe ni e o kaita no o togameru yo! - I'm going to reprimand you for drawing on the wall!)
Parent: 「壁に絵を描いたらダメだよ。次からは気をつけてね。」 (Kabe ni e o kaitara dame da yo. Tsugi kara wa ki o tsukete ne. - You shouldn't draw on the wall. Be careful next time.) - This uses a cautionary tone, similar to 注意する.
- 咎める (togameru) vs. 非難する (hinan suru)
- 咎める (togameru): To blame, reprimand. Often used in personal or familial contexts, can be a direct scolding.
非難する (hinan suru): To criticize, condemn, denounce. Often carries a stronger, more public, or more formal sense of condemnation, often for more serious wrongdoings. - Example Comparison
- If a politician is caught in a scandal:
News: 「政治家は国民から厳しく非難された。」 (Seijika wa kokumin kara kibishiku hinan sareta. - The politician was severely condemned by the public.)
A teacher might 咎める a student for cheating.
- 咎める (togameru) vs. 責める (semeru)
- 咎める (togameru): To blame, reprimand. Focuses on fault-finding and censure.
責める (semeru): To blame, accuse, attack. Can imply a more direct and sometimes aggressive assignment of responsibility or guilt. - Example Comparison
- If someone fails to meet a deadline:
「彼の遅刻を咎める。」 (Kare no chikoku o togameru. - To blame him for his lateness.)
「彼の遅刻のせいで、プロジェクトが遅れたと彼を責めた。」 (Kare no chikoku no sei de, purojekuto ga okureta to kare o semeta. - I blamed him, saying the project was delayed because of his lateness.) - 責める can be used when directly accusing someone of causing a problem.
- 咎める (togameru) vs. 叱る (shikaru)
- 咎める (togameru): To blame, reprimand. Often implies a judgment of fault.
叱る (shikaru): To scold, chide, reprimand. A direct and often firm verbal correction, especially from a superior to a subordinate (parent to child, teacher to student, boss to employee). - Example Comparison
- If a child breaks a toy:
「おもちゃを壊したことを咎める。」 (Omocha o kowashita koto o togameru. - To blame for breaking the toy.)
「おもちゃを壊したことを叱る。」 (Omocha o kowashita koto o shikaru. - To scold for breaking the toy.) - 叱る is a direct scolding, while 咎める focuses more on the act of assigning blame.
- 咎める (togameru) vs. 許す (yurusu)
- 咎める (togameru): To blame, find fault. The opposite action of forgiveness.
許す (yurusu): To forgive, pardon, allow. To let go of resentment or blame. - Example Comparison
- 「彼の過ちを咎める。」 (Kare no ayamachi o togameru. - To blame him for his mistake.)
「彼の過ちを許す。」 (Kare no ayamachi o yurusu. - To forgive him for his mistake.)
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The character 咎 (tō) is composed of the radical 'mouth' (口) and the phonetic component 'to'. This phonetic component itself carries the meaning of 'to blame' or 'to accuse', highlighting the core semantic meaning of the character.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'o' in 'to' as a long 'oh' sound instead of a short 'toe' sound.
- Incorrect stress placement, such as stressing the first or last syllable.
- Not clearly articulating the final 'ru' sound.
Difficulty Rating
The word itself is relatively straightforward in meaning, but understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts requires exposure to various situations. Recognizing its use in formal vs. informal settings, and its passive forms, adds to the reading difficulty.
Correctly using 咎める in writing requires careful consideration of the context, the relationship between speakers, and the severity of the offense. Choosing the right particle and conjugation is also important.
Using this word spontaneously in conversation can be challenging due to the need for quick judgment on context and tone. Learners might hesitate to use it for fear of sounding too harsh.
Identifying 咎める in spoken Japanese is generally achievable once the learner is familiar with the sound and its common contexts. However, distinguishing it from similar words like 注意する or 叱る requires careful listening.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Passive Voice (受身形 - Ukemi-kei)
彼はミスを咎められた。 (Kare wa misu o togamerareta. - He was blamed for the mistake.)
Nominalization with こと (koto)
先生は遅刻したことを咎めた。 (Sensei wa chikoku shita koto o togamereta. - The teacher blamed the fact that he was late.)
Potential Form (可能形 - Kanōkei)
彼はミスを咎められない。 (Kare wa misu o togamerarenai. - He cannot be blamed for the mistake.)
Verb Conjugation (Masu-form, Te-form, Past-form)
咎めます (togame masu - polite present), 咎めて (togamete - te-form), 咎めた (togameta - past)
Negative Forms (ない形 - Nai-kei)
咎めない (togamenai - not blame), 咎めなかった (togamenakatta - did not blame)
Examples by Level
先生は遅刻した私を咎めました。
The teacher blamed me for being late.
Simple past tense, direct object.
お母さんは弟のいたずらを咎めた。
Mom reprimanded my brother for his mischief.
Past tense, object of mischief.
彼は何も言わなかったが、私は彼を咎めた。
He didn't say anything, but I blamed him.
Conjunction 'ga' connecting two clauses.
友達は私の嘘を咎めた。
My friend blamed me for my lie.
Possessive pronoun 'my'.
先生は宿題を忘れたことを咎めた。
The teacher blamed me for forgetting my homework.
Nominalization with こと.
彼女は彼の遅刻を咎めなかった。
She didn't blame him for his lateness.
Negative form.
それは私のせいだと咎められた。
I was blamed for it being my fault.
Passive voice.
彼は自分の間違いを咎めた。
He blamed himself for his mistake.
Reflexive pronoun 'jibun'.
上司は彼の報告書のミスを咎めました。
The boss blamed him for the mistakes in his report.
Noun phrase specifying the object of blame.
彼女は約束を破った彼を咎めた。
She blamed him for breaking his promise.
Verb phrase indicating the reason for blame.
先生は私語をしていた生徒たちを咎めた。
The teacher reprimanded the students who were talking.
Plural subject.
彼は自分の発言が原因で咎められた。
He was blamed because of his own remarks.
Causal phrase 'ga gen'in de'.
今回はその件を咎めないことにしましょう。
Let's decide not to blame him for that matter this time.
Volitional form 'ni shimashō'.
父は私の成績不振を咎めた。
My father blamed me for my poor academic performance.
Noun phrase indicating poor performance.
会議で彼の意見が咎められた。
His opinion was criticized in the meeting.
Passive voice, location of blame.
彼女は彼の怠慢を咎めようとしなかった。
She didn't try to blame him for his laziness.
Verb phrase 'yō to shinai'.
裁判官は被告人の嘘を厳しく咎めた。
The judge sternly reprimanded the defendant for their lie.
Adverb 'kibishiku' modifying the verb.
彼は自分の過ちを認め、誰も自分を咎めなかった。
He admitted his mistake, and no one blamed him.
Conjunction 'shi' connecting clauses, negative polite form.
その不祥事の責任を誰が咎めるべきか議論になった。
There was a discussion about who should be blamed for the scandal.
Question word 'dare ga' and verb 'beki ka'.
彼女は彼の無責任な行動を咎めずにはいられなかった。
She couldn't help but blame him for his irresponsible behavior.
Idiomatic expression 'zu ni wa irarenai'.
部下は上司の不当な評価を咎めた。
The subordinate criticized the boss's unfair evaluation.
Noun phrase 'futō na hyōka'.
私たちは彼の度重なる遅刻を咎め、改善を求めた。
We blamed him for his repeated lateness and demanded improvement.
Noun phrase 'tabi kasanaru chikoku'.
その事件について、彼は一切の責任を咎められなかった。
Regarding that incident, he was not blamed for any responsibility.
Phrase 'issai no sekinin'.
彼の正直な謝罪を聞いて、彼女は彼を咎めるのをやめた。
After hearing his sincere apology, she stopped blaming him.
Verb phrase 'no o yame ta'.
社会は、環境破壊に対する企業の責任を厳しく咎めるべきだ。
Society should sternly blame corporations for environmental destruction.
Modal verb 'beki da' indicating obligation.
彼は、過去の過ちについて誰かに咎められることを恐れていた。
He feared being blamed by someone for his past mistakes.
Passive causative verb form.
その政治家の辞任は、一連の不正行為が原因で咎められた結果である。
The politician's resignation is a result of being blamed for a series of corrupt acts.
Complex sentence structure with causal relationship.
たとえ親しい間柄であっても、不正は不正だと咎めるべきだ。
Even in close relationships, one should blame injustice as injustice.
Concessive clause 'tatoe...de atte mo'.
彼の沈黙は、罪悪感の表れであり、自らを咎めているかのようだった。
His silence was a sign of guilt, as if he were blaming himself.
Figurative language, simile 'ka no yō datta'.
マスコミは、政府の対応の遅れを容赦なく咎めた。
The media relentlessly blamed the government for the delay in its response.
Adverb 'yōsha naku'.
彼女は、自分が無実であるにもかかわらず、なぜか咎められた。
She was blamed for some reason, despite being innocent.
Concessive clause 'ni mo kakawarazu'.
この状況で彼だけを咎めるのは公平ではない。
It is not fair to blame only him in this situation.
Adjective phrase 'kōhei de wa nai'.
歴史家たちは、その時代の指導者たちが平和維持の義務を怠ったことを咎めた。
Historians blamed the leaders of that era for neglecting their duty to maintain peace.
Complex noun phrase 'heiwa iji no gimu'.
彼の行動は、倫理的な観点から多くの人々に咎められた。
His actions were blamed by many people from an ethical standpoint.
Adverbial phrase 'rinri-teki na kanten kara'.
組織の不正体質を、内部告発者が厳しく咎めた。
The whistleblower severely criticized the organization's corrupt culture.
Noun phrase 'fusei taishitsu'.
たとえ結果が悪くとも、プロセスに問題がなければ咎めるべきではない。
Even if the results are bad, if there are no problems with the process, one should not blame.
Conditional clause 'tatoe...tomo'.
彼の著書は、社会の偽善を赤裸々に咎めている。
His book frankly criticizes the hypocrisy of society.
Adverb 'sekirara ni'.
その事件の真相究明において、誰かが誰かを咎めるという単純な構図ではなかった。
In the investigation of the truth of that incident, it was not a simple structure of someone blaming someone else.
Complex noun phrase 'shinsō kyūmei' and 'tanjun na kōzu'.
彼女は、自己犠牲を美徳とする風潮そのものを咎めた。
She criticized the very trend of glorifying self-sacrifice as a virtue.
Noun phrase 'jiko gisei o bitoku to suru fūchō'.
過去の過ちをいつまでも咎め続けることは、前進を妨げる。
Continuously blaming past mistakes hinders progress.
Gerund-like noun phrase 'togame tsuzukeru koto'.
その哲学者は、人間の本質的な罪深さを、理性では克服し得ないものとして咎めた。
The philosopher blamed the fundamental sinfulness of humanity as something that reason cannot overcome.
Complex predicate 'tokubatsu shi enai mono to shite'.
彼の文学作品は、現代社会の疎外感と虚無感を、鋭くも愛情深く咎めている。
His literary works sharply yet affectionately criticize the alienation and nihilism of modern society.
Adverbs 'surudoku mo aijō bukaku'.
権力者たちは、体制への批判を一切許さず、異議申し立てを徹底的に咎めた。
The powerful authorities did not permit any criticism of the system and thoroughly blamed dissent.
Complex verb phrase 'igimōshitate o tettei-teki ni togameru'.
その評論家は、芸術における商業主義の台頭を、創造性の死として咎めた。
The critic blamed the rise of commercialism in art as the death of creativity.
Metaphorical phrasing 'sōzōsei no shi to shite'.
人類の歴史は、しばしば自らの過ちを繰り返し、それを他者のせいにすることで咎めを逃れようとしてきた。
Human history has often repeated its own mistakes, trying to escape blame by attributing them to others.
Complex subordinate clause 'sore o tasha no sei ni suru koto de togmae o nogare yō to shite kita'.
彼女の演説は、社会の不寛容さを、感情に訴えかける力強い言葉で咎めた。
Her speech criticized society's intolerance with powerful words that appealed to emotion.
Adverbial phrase 'kanjō ni uttaekakeru chikarazuyoi kotoba de'.
その作家は、人間の弱さと愚かさを、皮肉を込めて咎めつつも、その根底にある人間性を探求した。
The author, while sarcastically blaming human weakness and foolishness, explored the underlying humanity.
Concessive clause with adverb 'hiniku o komete...tsutsu mo'.
現代社会における情報過多は、批判的思考能力の低下を招き、無批判な受容を咎められなくさせている。
Information overload in modern society leads to a decline in critical thinking skills, making uncritical acceptance blameless.
Complex predicate 'togamerarenaku sa sete iru'.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Not to blame, to overlook, to let it pass. This is the negative form, implying forgiveness or a decision not to hold someone accountable.
今回は彼の失敗を咎めないことにした。 (This time, I decided not to blame him for his failure.)
— Cannot help but blame, cannot refrain from blaming. This expresses a strong urge or necessity to blame someone.
彼のあまりに無責任な行動を見て、咎めずにはいられなかった。 (Seeing his extremely irresponsible behavior, I couldn't help but blame him.)
— To be blamed, to be reprimanded. This is the passive form, indicating that the subject is the one receiving the blame.
彼女は会議での発言を咎められた。 (She was blamed for her remarks in the meeting.)
— Should not be blamed, it is not right to blame. This expresses an opinion that blame is not warranted.
この状況で彼だけを咎めるべきではない。 (It is not right to blame only him in this situation.)
— To be blamed by no one, to be free from blame. This implies innocence or that one's actions are acceptable.
正直に話せば、誰からも咎められないだろう。 (If you speak honestly, you won't be blamed by anyone.)
— There is no reason to blame. This asserts that the person being discussed has done nothing wrong.
彼女の行動には、咎める理由が全くない。 (There is absolutely no reason to blame her actions.)
— To be worthy of blame, to deserve blame. This indicates that the person's actions are so wrong that they warrant criticism.
彼の裏切りは、咎めるに値する行為だった。 (His betrayal was an act worthy of blame.)
— Nothing to blame, impeccable. This means the person or their actions are flawless.
彼の仕事ぶりは、咎めるところがないほど完璧だった。 (His work performance was so perfect that there was nothing to blame.)
— Have no business being blamed, no right to be blamed. This is a strong assertion of innocence or that the accuser has no grounds.
私は何もしていないのだから、咎められる筋合いはない。 (I haven't done anything, so I have no business being blamed.)
— Not to try to blame, not to attempt to blame. This implies a deliberate choice not to engage in blame.
彼は彼女のミスを咎めようとしなかった。 (He didn't try to blame her for her mistake.)
Often Confused With
注意する is to warn or caution, focusing on prevention. 咎める is to blame for a past action. You might 注意する someone about potential danger, but you 咎める them for causing an accident.
叱る is a direct scolding, often from a superior. While it involves reprimand, 咎める implies a more explicit assignment of fault and blame.
責める also means to blame or accuse. It can be more aggressive or direct than 咎める, sometimes implying a more personal attack or assignment of responsibility for negative outcomes.
Idioms & Expressions
— To pick on someone's mistakes, to find fault with minor errors. While not directly using 咎める, this idiom describes the act of looking for reasons to blame someone, often for trivial things.
彼はいつも人の揚げ足を取ってばかりいる。 (He's always picking on people's mistakes.)
Informal— Hate the sin, not the sinner. This is a philosophical statement that suggests one should condemn the wrongdoing itself rather than the person who committed it. It's the opposite of a blanket 咎める.
「罪を憎んで人を憎まず」という言葉があるように、彼の行動は許せないが、彼自身を憎むことはない。 (As the saying goes, 'Hate the sin, not the sinner,' I cannot forgive his actions, but I do not hate him himself.)
Proverbial— To shift blame, to pass the buck. This is the act of avoiding being 咎められる by blaming someone else.
彼は自分のミスを部下に責任転嫁した。 (He shifted the blame for his mistake onto his subordinate.)
Neutral— To let something pass without questioning or blaming; to overlook. This is a more formal way of saying one will not 咎める.
今回の件は不問に付すことにしましょう。 (Let's decide to overlook this matter.)
Formal— To say something repeatedly and earnestly, often in the form of a warning or admonishment. While it implies repeated criticism, it's more about persistent advice than direct blame.
母は私に何度も口を酸っぱくして言った。 (My mother told me earnestly many times.)
Idiomatic— To disgrace someone, to bring shame upon them. This is a consequence of being blamed or having one's faults exposed.
彼の失態は、家族の顔に泥を塗るようなものだった。 (His blunder was like smearing mud on his family's face.)
Idiomatic— To clean up someone's mess, to take responsibility for someone else's mistakes. This is often done when someone else is being 咎められる.
彼はいつも同僚の尻拭いをさせられている。 (He is always made to clean up his colleagues' messes.)
Idiomatic— To have no room for explanation or excuse. This is often said when someone is clearly at fault and cannot avoid being 咎められる.
彼の言い訳は弁解の余地がなかった。 (His excuse had no room for explanation.)
Idiomatic— To pretend ignorance, to deny something vehemently when caught. This is an action that often leads to being 咎められる.
彼は知らないふりをして白を切った。 (He pretended not to know and denied it.)
Idiomatic— To escape responsibility, to avoid blame. The opposite of being 咎められる.
彼は責任を逃れようとした。 (He tried to escape responsibility.)
NeutralEasily Confused
Both words involve pointing out something wrong or potentially wrong.
注意する is about warning or cautioning, often to prevent future mistakes. 咎める is about assigning blame for a past mistake or wrongdoing. For example, a teacher might 注意する a student about talking in class, but 咎める them if they disrupt the entire lesson.
「危ないから、そこに行かないで。」と注意した。(I warned him, 'It's dangerous, don't go there.') vs. 「約束を破ったことを咎める。」(To blame him for breaking his promise.)
Both involve expressing disapproval of someone's actions.
叱る is a direct scolding, often with a stronger emotional tone, typically from someone in authority. 咎める focuses more on the act of assigning blame and fault, and can be used in a wider range of relationships, not just hierarchical ones. You might 叱る a child for being noisy, but 咎める them for breaking a valuable item.
親は子供を叱った。(The parent scolded the child.) vs. 親は子供の嘘を咎めた。(The parent blamed the child for lying.)
Both verbs mean 'to blame' or 'to accuse'.
責める can sometimes imply a more direct and aggressive accusation or assignment of responsibility for a negative outcome. 咎める often implies finding fault and expressing disapproval, and can be used in a slightly more nuanced way, including self-blame. 責める can feel more like an attack, while 咎める is more about censure.
彼は自分のミスを責めた。(He blamed himself for his mistake.) vs. 彼は自分のミスを咎めた。(He blamed himself for his mistake. - Similar, but 咎める can feel slightly more introspective.)
Both involve criticism and disapproval.
非難する is a stronger, more formal, and often public form of criticism or condemnation. It's used for serious wrongdoings or when there's a widespread negative judgment. 咎める is generally less severe and can be used in more personal or everyday contexts.
その政治家は不正行為で非難された。(The politician was condemned for corruption.) vs. 先生は遅刻を咎めた。(The teacher blamed him for being late.)
These are often seen as opposite actions in response to wrongdoing.
咎める is the act of blaming or assigning fault. 許す is the act of forgiving or pardoning. They represent opposing choices one can make after someone has done something wrong. You choose whether to 咎める or 許す.
彼の過ちを咎める。(To blame him for his mistake.) vs. 彼の過ちを許す。(To forgive him for his mistake.)
Sentence Patterns
Subject は Object を 咎める。
先生は私を咎めた。
Subject は [Noun] を 咎める。
母は弟のいたずらを咎めた。
Subject は [Verb こと] を 咎める。
彼は約束を破ったことを咎めた。
Object が [Reason] で 咎められる。
彼は遅刻で咎められた。
Subject は [Noun Phrase] を 咎めずにはいられない。
彼女は彼の無責任さを咎めずにはいられなかった。
Subject は [Noun Phrase] を 咎めるべきだ。
社会は企業の責任を咎めるべきだ。
Subject は [Complex Noun Phrase] を 咎める。
評論家は商業主義の台頭を咎めた。
Subject は [Figurative/Abstract Noun Phrase] を 咎めつつも...
作家は人間の弱さを咎めつつも、人間性を探求した。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Moderate. While not used in every conversation, it's a common verb for expressing blame.
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Using 咎める for a simple warning.
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Using 注意する (chūi suru) for a warning.
咎める implies assigning blame for a past fault. If you want to warn someone about a future danger or issue, use 注意する. For example, telling someone to be careful crossing the street is 注意する, not 咎める.
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Using 咎める in a very casual situation for a minor error.
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Using a milder phrase or overlooking the mistake.
Using 咎める for something insignificant can sound overly harsh and accusatory. It's better to use softer language or simply let it go in casual settings. For instance, if a friend spills a drop of water, you wouldn't typically 咎める them.
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Incorrectly conjugating the verb.
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Using the correct past tense, negative form, or passive form.
Like any verb, 咎める needs to be conjugated correctly for tense, mood, and politeness. Mistakes in conjugation can lead to grammatical errors and miscommunication.
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Confusing the subject and object of blame.
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Clearly indicating who is blaming whom, and for what.
Ensure the sentence structure correctly identifies the blamer (subject) and the blamed (object). For example, 'He blamed me' (彼は私を咎めた) is different from 'I blamed him' (私は彼を咎めた).
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Using 咎める when 責める or 非難する might be more appropriate.
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Choosing the verb that best fits the nuance and formality of the situation.
While related, 責める can be more aggressive, and 非難する is more formal and severe. Using 咎める when a stronger word is needed, or vice versa, can misrepresent the speaker's intent.
Tips
Focus on Stress
Remember that the stress in 咎める (to-GA-me-ru) falls on the second syllable, 'GA'. Incorrect stress can make the word sound unfamiliar to native speakers.
Consider the Relationship
The appropriateness of using 咎める heavily depends on the relationship between the speaker and the listener. It's common between parents and children, teachers and students, or superiors and subordinates, but can sound rude between equals unless the situation is serious.
Active vs. Passive
Using the active form (咎める) directly assigns blame. Using the passive form (咎められる) softens the impact by focusing on the person being blamed, which can be more diplomatic.
Know Your Antonyms
Understanding the antonyms like 許す (yurusu - to forgive) and 見逃す (minogasu - to overlook) helps clarify the specific meaning of 咎める as an act of assigning fault.
Sentence Building
Create your own sentences using 咎める in different contexts: blaming a fictional character, being blamed yourself, or observing someone else being blamed. This active practice is key.
Listen for Context
When listening to Japanese media, pay attention to situations where characters are expressing disapproval or pointing out mistakes. Try to identify if 咎める is being used and why.
Particles Matter
Be mindful of the particles used with 咎める, especially を (o) for the direct object being blamed, and こと (koto) or verb phrases when blaming an action or situation.
Avoid Overuse
Don't use 咎める for every minor mistake. It can sound overly harsh. Consider softer alternatives if the situation doesn't warrant direct blame.
Cultural Sensitivity
In Japanese culture, direct confrontation can be avoided. While 咎める is direct, its usage is often tempered by politeness levels and situational appropriateness.
Mnemonics and Associations
Use the provided mnemonic or create your own visual associations to help remember the word and its meaning. Connecting sounds to images or stories can be very effective.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a judge saying 'TOUGH GAME, LET ME BLAME YOU!' (TO-GA-ME-RU). The judge is reprimanding someone for a bad play. The 'game' sounds like 'ga', and 'let me blame you' sounds like 'meru'.
Visual Association
Picture a person pointing an accusing finger at someone else, with a big red 'X' mark over the person being blamed. The 'X' could represent the 'toga' (fault) they are receiving.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 咎める in a sentence where you are blaming a fictional character for a silly mistake, like forgetting to water a plant or wearing mismatched socks. This will help solidify the meaning in a lighthearted way.
Word Origin
The word 咎める originates from the classical Japanese verb 咎む (tōmu), which itself evolved from even older roots related to finding fault or sin. The character 咎 (tō) means fault, blame, or sin.
Original meaning: The original meaning was to find fault, to blame, or to consider something a sin or offense.
Japonic languagesCultural Context
When using 咎める, be mindful of the power dynamic and the severity of the offense. Using it for minor issues in casual settings can sound overly harsh or aggressive. In formal settings, it's a standard term for assigning blame. The passive form 咎められる is often used to soften the directness of the accusation.
In English-speaking cultures, 'blame' is a common word, but the nuances of 'reprimand' or 'rebuke' might be expressed through various phrasings depending on the severity and context, such as 'telling off', 'calling out', or 'holding someone accountable'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Parent-child interaction
- 宿題をしないのを咎めるよ。
- おもちゃを壊したことを咎めないで。
- 弟のいたずらを咎めた。
Teacher-student interaction
- 授業中に私語をしていたことを咎めた。
- 遅刻を咎められるのは嫌だ。
- 先生は私のミスを咎めなかった。
Workplace communication
- 報告書のミスを咎められた。
- 上司は彼の怠慢を咎めた。
- この遅延について、誰かを咎める必要がある。
Discussions about mistakes or problems
- 彼の行動は咎めるべきだ。
- この状況で彼だけを咎めるのは公平ではない。
- 誰かを咎める前に、よく考えるべきだ。
Legal or formal accusations
- 不正行為の責任を咎められた。
- その発言は法的に咎められる可能性がある。
- 彼は証拠不十分で咎められなかった。
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever been in a situation where someone blamed you for something you didn't do?"
"What's the difference between blaming someone and just warning them?"
"When is it okay to blame someone, and when should you overlook their mistakes?"
"Can you think of a time when you had to blame a friend or family member?"
"Is it better to blame yourself or to blame others when things go wrong?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you had to blame someone. What was the situation, and how did you feel about it?
Reflect on a time you were blamed for something. Were you guilty? How did you react?
Write about a character in a book or movie who frequently blames others. What are their motivations?
Imagine a society where no one ever blames anyone. What would that be like?
Consider the phrase 'hate the sin, not the sinner'. How does this apply to situations where you might blame someone?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe character 咎 (tō) itself means 'fault,' 'blame,' or 'sin.' So, 咎める literally means 'to fault' or 'to blame.' It's about finding fault with someone's actions or character.
Yes, the core meaning of 咎める is to assign blame or fault, which is inherently negative. However, the *context* can vary. A parent 咎める a child might be for educational purposes, while a judge 咎める a criminal is a formal condemnation. The word itself carries a negative connotation of disapproval.
Use 叱る (shikaru) for direct scolding, especially from a superior to a subordinate (like a parent to a child) when you want to correct their behavior firmly. Use 咎める when you want to explicitly assign blame or fault for a specific mistake or wrongdoing, focusing on the fact that they are responsible for the error.
Yes, you can. The sentence 彼は自分の間違いを咎めた (Kare wa jibun no machigai o togamereta) means 'He blamed himself for his mistake.' This shows that the verb can be used for introspection and self-reproach.
非難する (hinan suru) is a stronger and more formal term for criticism or condemnation, often used for serious offenses or public disapproval. 咎める is generally less severe and can be used in everyday situations for smaller mistakes or personal reprimands.
You would use the negative form: 咎めない (togamenai). For example, 今回は君を咎めないよ (Konkai wa kimi o togamenai yo - I won't blame you this time).
咎められる (togamerareru) means 'to be blamed' or 'to be reprimanded.' It's used when the subject of the sentence is the one receiving the blame, rather than the one doing the blaming. For example, 彼はミスを咎められた (Kare wa misu o togamerareta - He was blamed for the mistake).
Generally, no. 咎める is used for people or entities that can be held responsible for actions. You wouldn't typically 咎める a broken machine; you might say it's faulty or malfunctioning.
While the word itself implies blame, politeness can be achieved through sentence structure and auxiliary verbs. For example, using the passive form 咎められる or adding phrases like 〜べきではない (beki de wa nai - should not) can soften the directness. In formal settings, polite verb forms are used.
A common mistake is using it when a milder word like 注意する (to warn) or 叱る (to scold) would be more appropriate, making the speaker sound overly harsh or accusatory.
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Summary
咎める (togameru) is a verb used to express blame or reprimand towards someone for their mistakes or wrongdoings. It signifies assigning fault and disapproval, and its usage ranges from parental scolding to formal accusations.
- To blame or reprimand someone for wrongdoing.
- Assigning fault and expressing disapproval.
- Used in formal and informal contexts for mistakes.
- Opposite of forgiving or overlooking.
Focus on Stress
Remember that the stress in 咎める (to-GA-me-ru) falls on the second syllable, 'GA'. Incorrect stress can make the word sound unfamiliar to native speakers.
Consider the Relationship
The appropriateness of using 咎める heavily depends on the relationship between the speaker and the listener. It's common between parents and children, teachers and students, or superiors and subordinates, but can sound rude between equals unless the situation is serious.
Active vs. Passive
Using the active form (咎める) directly assigns blame. Using the passive form (咎められる) softens the impact by focusing on the person being blamed, which can be more diplomatic.
Know Your Antonyms
Understanding the antonyms like 許す (yurusu - to forgive) and 見逃す (minogasu - to overlook) helps clarify the specific meaning of 咎める as an act of assigning fault.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
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.
