1.
sermon, preaching
A religious sermon or act of preaching, typically by a Buddhist priest or Christian minister.
住職が説教をした。
The head priest gave a sermon.
日曜日の礼拝で牧師の説教を聞いた。
I listened to the pastor's sermon at Sunday worship.
ありがたい説教だったが、難しくてよくわからなかった。
It was a worthy sermon, but it was difficult and I didn't really understand it.
2.
lecture, scolding, moralizing
A long-winded reprimand or moralistic lecture, often from a parent, teacher, or boss. Carries a negative connotation of being tedious or unwelcome.
母に説教された。
I got lectured by my mother.
説教はもういいよ。自分でわかってるから。
Enough with the lecture. I already know.
酔っぱらって後輩に長い説教をする上司は嫌われる。
A boss who gets drunk and gives long lectures to junior staff is disliked.
USAGE:
説教 has two distinct uses. In religious contexts (sense 1), it is neutral or respectful. In everyday use (sense 2), it almost always carries a negative nuance — being on the receiving end of a 説教 is unpleasant. The colloquial sense is far more common in daily conversation.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 説教をする: to give a sermon / to lecture someone
- 説教をたれる: to preach at someone (colloquial, negative)
- 説教臭い: preachy, moralistic
- 長い説教: a long lecture
- 説教される: to be lectured (passive)