Meaning and Usage
The verb '나무라다' means to scold or blame someone for a mistake or fault. It is often used in situations where someone is being reprimanded, typically by a person in a position of authority or care, such as a parent, teacher, or senior colleague.
Common Contexts
You will frequently hear '나무라다' in family or workplace settings where correction or criticism is involved. It carries a tone of mild reproach rather than harsh punishment.
Collocations and Patterns
- 나무라다 + (누구를): to scold someone directly.
- 나무라기보다는: used to express 'rather than blaming/scolding', often followed by a more positive action.
- 나무라는 목소리: the voice of scolding or reprimand.
Register and Nuance
'나무라다' is generally neutral in formality but implies a certain seriousness in the criticism. It is less harsh than 욕하다 (to curse) but stronger than simply pointing out a mistake.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse '나무라다' with '꾸짖다' (also to scold), but '나무라다' often implies a more verbal and reasoned reproach, while '꾸짖다' can be more emotional or loud. Use '나무라다' when the blame is more measured and constructive.