Translation guide
Expressing strong dislike, disrespect, or the feeling that someone or something is worthless. Japanese has several words for contempt, ranging from formal to casual, and often the feeling is shown through tone or phrasing rather than a single word.
To express a feeling that someone or something is worthless or beneath consideration.
The most common and neutral word for contempt or scorn. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to despise'.
He looked at me with contempt.
She despises liars.
A slightly more literary or intense word for contempt, often implying looking down on someone. Used as a noun or with ～の目.
His words were filled with contempt.
Formal or written word for contempt or insult. Often used in compound phrases.
The remark was taken as contempt toward the other person.
Strong contempt or disdain, often used in social or political contexts. Less common in daily speech.
Racial discrimination arises from contempt for others.
To actively feel or show contempt for someone or something.
The verb form of 軽蔑. The most straightforward way to say 'to despise' or 'to hold in contempt'.
He is not the kind of person who despises the weak.
Literally 'to look down on'. Very common in casual speech for expressing contempt or condescension.
To make fun of, to treat with contempt, to think little of. Very common in everyday speech.
The verb form of 蔑み. Stronger and more literary than 軽蔑する.
Describing a look, tone, or manner that shows contempt.
The specific legal term for disobeying or showing disrespect to a court of law.
The standard legal term for contempt of court. 法廷 means 'courtroom', 侮辱 means 'insult'.
He was fined for contempt of court.
軽蔑 (keibetsu) is the standard, somewhat formal word for contempt. 見下す (mikudasu) is more about looking down on someone from a superior position, often used for condescension. 馬鹿にする (baka ni suru) is casual and implies treating someone as stupid or worthless, often with ridicule. Choose based on formality and the nuance you want.
He doesn't despise his subordinates, but sometimes takes a condescending attitude.
In casual conversation, directly saying 軽蔑する can sound overly dramatic or formal. Often, Japanese speakers express contempt through tone, phrasing, or milder words like 見下す or 馬鹿にする. Use 軽蔑 when you want to be clear and serious about the feeling.
That person has a bit of a condescending way of speaking, doesn't he?
彼はいつも人を見下すような言い方をする。
He always talks in a way that looks down on people.
彼は私の意見を馬鹿にした。
He treated my opinion with contempt.
彼女は不正を働く者を蔑んでいる。
She despises those who commit injustice.
I got angry at his contemptuous tone.