1.
scolding; nagging; grumbling; complaint
Repeated complaints, mild scolding, or nagging about everyday matters. Composed of 小 (small) + 言 (words). Implies persistent, low-level criticism rather than a single serious reprimand. Often used to describe a parent's or boss's habitual complaints.
母に小言を言われた。
I got scolded by my mother.
上司の小言が毎日続いてうんざりだ。
I'm fed up with my boss's daily nagging.
部屋を片付けないと、また小言を言われるよ。
If you don't clean your room, you'll get nagged again.
USAGE:
小言 implies repetitive, relatively minor complaints — the kind of everyday nagging a parent gives a child about chores or homework. It is milder than 叱る (to scold), which can be a single, serious reprimand.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 小言を言う (to nag, to grumble at)
- 小言を言われる (to get nagged)
- 小言が多い (to nag a lot)
- 小言が絶えない (the nagging never stops)