Translation guide
To belittle someone means to make them or their achievements seem unimportant. In Japanese, this is expressed through verbs that mean 'look down on', 'make light of', or 'disparage', as well as through dismissive phrases. The choice depends on whether you are describing an attitude, an action, or a direct remark.
Expressing a general attitude of considering someone or something inferior.
The most common and direct verb for 'look down on' or 'belittle'. It implies a sense of superiority.
He always looks down on me.
An attitude that looks down on people is not good.
Means 'despise' or 'scorn'. Stronger than 見下す, often used for moral contempt.
He despises liars.
Means 'to underestimate' or 'to make light of', often implying belittlement through disregard.
Don't underestimate your opponent.
Treating someone's efforts, achievements, or concerns as trivial.
Means 'to make light of' or 'to slight'. Often used when someone's opinion or contribution is dismissed.
He made light of my opinion.
Literally 'to make a fool of'. Very common in spoken Japanese for belittling or ridiculing.
Means 'to underestimate' or 'to think little of'. Often used when someone's abilities are belittled.
Verbally belittling someone, often behind their back or in a derogatory manner.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'to speak ill of'. Common in everyday conversation.
He always speaks ill of his boss.
Means 'to speak ill of' or 'to disparage'. Often used for criticizing someone's work or character.
Means 'to criticize harshly' or 'to tear down'. Stronger and more colloquial than けなす.
Belittling someone by treating them as inferior in a seemingly kind or superior manner.
The English verb 'belittle' does not have a single exact equivalent in Japanese. Using a direct translation like 小さくする (to make small) would be incorrect. Instead, choose a verb or phrase that matches the specific nuance of belittlement you want to express.
見下す (mikudasu) focuses on an attitude of looking down on someone from a position of perceived superiority. 馬鹿にする (baka ni suru) is more about actively making fun of or ridiculing someone. The former is often internal, while the latter is more external and verbal.
彼は私の仕事を馬鹿にした。
He made fun of my work.
Don't make fun of people.
彼の能力を見くびっていた。
I underestimated his abilities.
He disparaged my proposal.
He trashed my work.
An adjective meaning 'patronizing' or 'condescending', implying that someone acts as if they are doing you a favor.
I hate his patronizing way of speaking.