説教（せっきょう、seっkyou）
- sermon

The Japanese word 説教, pronounced せっきょう (sekkyō), primarily means "sermon" or "lecture," but it can also refer to a scolding, a lecture, or a reprimand. It often implies a situation where someone is given advice, criticism, or moral instruction, usually in a somewhat stern or didactic manner. The nature of the 説教 can range from a religious sermon to a parent scolding a child. It typically involves a one-sided communication where one person is giving the 説教 and another is receiving it.

⚫︎先生は生徒に説教をしました。 Translation: The teacher gave the students a lecture. ⚫︎お父さんは息子に、遅刻したことで説教した。 Translation: The father lectured his son about being late. ⚫︎牧師は日曜日に説教をします。 Translation: The pastor gives a sermon on Sundays.

This word is most appropriately used in situations where there is a clear imparting of moral advice, criticism, or instruction, whether in a formal or informal setting. It can be used in religious contexts, educational settings, or familial situations. It's often used when someone is being told off or given a long piece of advice or reprimand. The tone can vary, but it's typically a bit formal or serious. Be mindful that in casual settings, it might be seen as slightly harsh to say someone is giving a 説教.

説教 is typically written in kanji as 説教. The reading is せっきょう. It is generally not written in katakana. There are no significant variations in the okurigana; it is always written as 説教.

⚫︎講話 (こうわ) - speech; address; lecture ⚫︎お説教 (おせっきょう) - (a polite version of) scolding; lecture ⚫︎小言 (こごと) - a scolding; a grumbling ⚫︎叱責 (しっせき) - reprimand; scolding ⚫︎叱る (しかる) - to scold

While there's no direct opposite, words that suggest praise, encouragement, or positive reinforcement could be considered antonyms in a loose sense: ⚫︎褒める (ほめる) - to praise; to commend ⚫︎励ます (はげます) - to encourage ⚫︎激励 (げきれい) - encouragement; cheering

彼は上司からの説教にうんざりした。 ・Translation: He was fed up with the lecture from his boss. ・Explanation: This sentence shows someone is tired of receiving a lecture, most likely a scolding or a long piece of unwanted advice.

先生は、生徒たちの悪い行いについて説教した。 ・Translation: The teacher gave a lecture about the students' bad behavior. ・Explanation: This example explains the 説教 was about the negative behavior of the students, indicating a reprimand or lecture aimed at correcting their conduct.

The word 説教 is composed of two kanji: 説 (setsu), meaning "explanation," "theory," or "to persuade," and 教 (kyou), meaning "teach," "doctrine," or "religion." Therefore, the etymology of 説教 implies an explanation of a doctrine, a teaching, or a persuasive speech, reflecting its core meaning.