Definition

Verb: - To scold, to reprimand: To express sharp disapproval or criticism to someone, typically a subordinate or someone for whom one feels responsible, for a fault or mistake. It implies speaking in a stern, blaming, and often angry manner.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Giáo viên trách mắng học sinh vì không làm bài tập. (The teacher scolded the student for not doing the homework.)
  • Mẹ tôi trách mắng tôi khi tôi về nhà quá muộn. (My mother reprimanded me when I came home too late.)
  • Ông chủ không nên trách mắng nhân viên trước mặt mọi người. (The boss should not scold an employee in front of everyone.)

Advanced Usage

• The word carries a nuance of authority and a hierarchical relationship, where the person doing the scolding has a position of responsibility or is older. It is more severe than simply criticizing ("phê bình") and involves an emotional tone of blame and disappointment.

Variants and Related Words

• Trách móc (v): To blame or reproach with a tone of hurt or disappointment, often less angry than "trách mắng."

  • Cô ấy trách móc bạn trai vì đã quên ngày kỷ niệm. (She reproached her boyfriend for forgetting their anniversary.)

• La mắng (v): To yell at or shout in anger; often implies a louder, more explosive reaction than "trách mắng."

  • Đứa trẻ bị la mắng vì làm vỡ bình hoa. (The child was yelled at for breaking the vase.)

Synonyms

• Reprimand: To formally or officially express disapproval.
• Scold: To angrily criticize someone, especially a child.
• Berate: To scold or criticize angrily and at length.
• Chide: To scold or rebuke mildly.

Related Idioms

• Trách mắng thậm tệ: To scold severely.
  • Sau sự cố, anh ta bị sếp trách mắng thậm tệ. (After the incident, he was severely reprimanded by his boss.)

verb

1. to scold, to reprimand