責めます（せめる、semeru）
- to blame

The Japanese verb 責めます (せめます, *semeru*) primarily means "to blame," "to criticize," "to accuse," "to chide," or "to reproach" someone for something. It can also mean "to attack" or "to harass" in a more aggressive context. The core concept revolves around holding someone accountable for their actions, mistakes, or wrongdoings, and expressing disapproval or criticism. 責めます is a masu-form conjugation of the verb. It is a polite and formal form of the verb 責める (せめる, *semeru*).

⚫︎彼は嘘をついたことを責めます。 Translation: He blames him for telling a lie. ⚫︎先生は生徒の遅刻を責めます。 Translation: The teacher criticizes the student for being late. ⚫︎メディアは政府の対応を責めます。 Translation: The media accuses the government of its response.

⚫︎責めます is used in formal situations or when you want to be polite. ⚫︎ It is appropriate when you want to express disapproval or criticism of someone's actions. ⚫︎ This verb can be used in various contexts, from personal relationships to professional settings, and even in reporting about political events. ⚫︎ Consider the context and your relationship with the person you are talking to when using this verb. ⚫︎ It is the polite -masu form, while the plain form, 責める (*semeru*) is more casual.

⚫︎ 責めます is written in kanji 責 (meaning to blame, to attack), plus hiragana せ (*se*), ま (*ma*), and す (*su*). ⚫︎ The base form is 責める (*semeru*). ⚫︎ Other conjugations include 責めない (*semenai*) meaning "will not blame", 責めましょう (*sememashou*) meaning "let's blame", etc. ⚫︎ Okurigana (hiragana attached to the kanji) is usually 責めます.

⚫︎ 非難します (*hinan shimasu*) - to criticize, to condemn (more formal) ⚫︎ 批判します (*hihan shimasu*) - to criticize, to comment (formal) ⚫︎ 咎めます (*togamemasu*) - to find fault with, to reprimand (formal) ⚫︎ 文句を言います (*monku o iimasu*) - to complain ⚫︎ 責めます is the -masu form of the verb, so the informal version of this is 責める (*semeru*).

⚫︎ 褒めます (*homemasu*) - to praise, to commend ⚫︎ 許します (*yurushimasu*) - to forgive ⚫︎ 擁護します (*yougo shimasu*) - to defend, to protect

彼は自分の過ちを責めます。 ・Translation: He blames himself for his mistakes. ・Explanation: This sentence illustrates how someone might use 責めます to express self-criticism.

警察は犯人を責めます。 ・Translation: The police will accuse the criminal. ・Explanation: This shows how the word can be used in a law-enforcement context.

The kanji 責 has a history associated with responsibility and holding others accountable. It’s part of a broader family of words about duty, obligation, and consequence. The verb's meaning has evolved over time, but the core idea of pointing out someone's fault has remained consistent. The verb has existed since ancient Japan and has retained its meaning across generations.