責(せ)める

せめる
ichidan verb, transitive
to blame, to criticize, to torture
1. to blame, to criticize
To find fault with someone.
自分(じぶん)を責(せ)める。
To blame oneself.
彼(かれ)を責(せ)めないで。
Don't blame him.
失敗(しっぱい)したのは自分(じぶん)なのに、人(ひと)を責(せ)めるのはよくない。
It's not good to blame others when you are the one who failed.
2. to torture, to torment
To cause suffering (physical or mental).
良心(りょうしん)に責(せ)められる。
To be tormented by one's conscience.
寒(さむ)さが体(からだ)を責(せ)める。
The cold torments the body.
空腹(くうふく)と疲労(ひろう)が彼(かれ)を責(せ)めた。
Hunger and fatigue tormented him.

責(せ)める means to blame, criticize, or torment someone.

TRANSITIVITY:

  • Type: 他動詞(たどうし) (transitive)
  • Takes を particle: 彼(かれ)を責(せ)める

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 自分(じぶん)を責(せ)める: to blame oneself
  • 責(せ)めないで: don't blame (me/them)
  • 責(せ)められる: to be blamed (passive)

NUANCES:
1. Blame/criticize: Finding fault with someone
2. Torment: Causing mental or physical distress

HOMOPHONE DISTINCTION:

  • 責(せ)める: to blame, torment (責 = responsibility)
  • 攻(せ)める: to attack (攻 = attack) - military/sports context

RELATED:

  • 責任(せきにん): responsibility
  • 非難(ひなん)する: to criticize (more formal)
general
Added 2026.1.9 17:15 · Revised 2026.2.22 11:03
02000/02284_semeru