Definition

1. Transitive Verb:
   • To scold severely; to reprimand sternly: "quở trách" means to criticize or rebuke someone directly and harshly for their mistake or fault, typically from a position of authority or seniority.
   • To dress down; to reproach: It implies a formal or serious admonishment intended to correct behavior.

Usage

• The verb "quở trách" is used when someone in a higher position (like a parent, teacher, or superior) criticizes someone in a lower or subordinate position for an error.
• It describes a direct, face-to-face, and stern reprimand.
• It often carries a formal or serious tone, stronger than a mild scolding.

Examples

• Transitive Verb:
  • Giáo viên quở trách học sinh vì không làm bài tập. (The teacher severely scolded the student for not doing the homework.)
  • Ông chủ đã quở trách nhân viên một cách nghiêm khắc về sai sót trong báo cáo. (The boss gave the employee a severe dressing down for the mistake in the report.)
  • Người mẹ không nỡ quở trách đứa con nhỏ. (The mother couldn't bear to sternly reprimand her young child.)

Advanced Usage

• "bị quở trách": to be scolded/reprimanded.
  • Anh ta bị quở trách nặng nề vì hành vi thiếu trách nhiệm. (He was severely reprimanded for his irresponsible behavior.)
• "lời quở trách": words of reprimand; a scolding.
  • Những lời quở trách của thầy giáo khiến cậu bé suy nghĩ rất nhiều. (The teacher's words of reprimand made the boy think deeply.)

Variants and Related Words

• Quở (verb): To scold, to rebuke. (A shorter, sometimes slightly less formal form, often used in combination like "quở trách" or "quở mắng").
• Trách (verb): To blame, to reproach. (Can be used alone or in compounds like "trách mắng" - to scold, or "trách cứ" - to censure).
• Quở mắng (verb): To scold and yell at; to berate. (Emphasizes the vocal aspect of the scolding).
• Khiển trách (verb): To reprimand, to censure. (Often used in formal or official contexts, like disciplinary actions).

Synonyms

• Mắng: to scold, to tell off. (Can be less formal/severe than "quở trách").
• La mắng: to yell at, to scold loudly.
• Khiển trách: to reprimand (formal).
• Răn dạy: to admonish, to teach a lesson (focuses more on the instructive aspect).

Related Phrases / Idioms

(Note: "Quở trách" itself is not typically part of a larger idiomatic structure. The related phrases are more about the context of receiving criticism.) - Chịu trận trước những lời quở trách: to face/endure the scolding. - Cậu bé đành chịu trận trước những lời quở trách của cha. (The boy had to face his father's scolding.)

1. Scold severely; dress down