Japanese has many pairs of words that look similar but carry different nuances. Among them, 非難 (hinan) and 批判 (hihan) often confuse learners, since both are frequently translated as “criticism.” However, using the wrong one can make your statement sound too harsh or not quite natural
What is 「非難」 (hinan)?
非難 refers to strongly blaming or condemning someone’s actions, often with anger or moral judgment. It conveys a strong emotional reaction, usually negative, and is common in social or political contexts where misconduct is involved.
Typical situations:
・Scandals, corruption, or rule-breaking
・Public outrage or moral condemnation
・Online backlash or heated criticism
Example sentences:
・彼の不正行為は多くの人から非難された。
(His misconduct was severely condemned by many people.)
・無責任な発言に対して非難が殺到した。
(A flood of condemnation erupted against the irresponsible remark.)
The key point is that 非難 is emotional and often aggressive. It focuses on blame rather than logical evaluation.
What is 「批判」 (hihan)?
批判 refers to logically analyzing and evaluating something, pointing out both good and bad aspects. Unlike 非難, 批判 does not always carry a negative meaning. It can be constructive and is frequently used in academic, political, or professional contexts.
Typical situations:
・Academic discussion or debate
・Product or film reviews
・Analyzing policies, systems, or strategies
Example sentences:
・新しい政策は専門家から批判を受けた。
(The new policy was criticized by experts.)
・映画評論家はその作品を批判し、改善点を指摘した。
(The film critic analyzed the movie and pointed out areas for improvement.)
The key point is that 批判 is objective and analytical. It can include negative opinions, but it can also be constructive criticism that aims to improve something.
Subtle Differences in Nuance
・非難 is emotional. It conveys blame, anger, and disapproval.
・批判 is logical. It conveys analysis, evaluation, and reasoned judgment.
For example, if a manager yells at an employee, saying, “Your work is terrible,” that is 非難. If the manager calmly explains, “Your work has three problems, and here is how you can fix them,” that is 批判.
In English, both may be expressed with the verb “criticize,” but in Japanese, it is important to choose carefully depending on whether the tone is emotional or analytical.
Final Thoughts
Both 非難 (hinan) and 批判 (hihan) involve pointing out faults, but the tone and intention are very different.
・非難: emotional, condemning, attacking
・批判: logical, analytical, sometimes constructive
When reading the news, writing on social media, or discussing in Japanese, remembering this distinction will make your language more precise and natural.
Next time you want to “criticize” something, stop and ask yourself:
・Am I angry and blaming? → 非難
・Am I evaluating and analyzing? → 批判
Mastering this subtle difference will make your Japanese expression far more advanced and nuanced.