1.
to admonish, to counsel, to persuade gently
To explain something patiently and guide someone toward understanding or correct behavior. Implies a calm, caring approach from someone in a position of authority or experience, rather than angry scolding.
先生が生徒を諭した。
The teacher counseled the student.
母は優しく子どもを諭した。
The mother gently admonished the child.
何度諭しても、彼は聞く耳を持たなかった。
No matter how many times I tried to reason with him, he wouldn't listen.
USAGE:
諭す implies patient, gentle guidance from someone with more experience or authority. The person being counseled is marked with を. It conveys warmth and concern for the other person's well-being, unlike 叱る (to scold), which is harsher.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 優しく諭す: to gently counsel
- 言い聞かせるように諭す: to reason with someone as if explaining
- 子どもを諭す: to talk sense into a child
- 切々と諭す: to earnestly reason with
SIMILAR WORDS:
叱る (to scold) involves anger or firmness. 諫める (to remonstrate) is used for advising someone of higher status against a wrong course. 諭す is gentler than both, emphasizing patient explanation and guidance.