Translation guide
Describes someone or something that deserves scorn or disrespect. Japanese expresses this through adjectives for 'despicable', verbs for 'looking down on', and set phrases for moral condemnation.
To describe a person, behavior, or attitude as morally low and deserving contempt.
A strong adjective meaning 'mean', 'despicable', or 'cowardly'. Often used for underhanded acts.
To express the act of despising or scorning someone.
The most common verb for 'despise' or 'look down on'. Used for people, actions, or attitudes.
To express strong moral disapproval using fixed expressions.
There is no single Japanese adjective that covers all uses of 'contemptible'. Choose based on whether you mean 'despicable act' (卑劣), 'vulgar character' (下劣), or 'looking down on' (軽蔑する). Using the wrong word can sound unnatural.
I can't forgive his contemptible act.
Means 'vulgar' or 'base', emphasizing low character. Stronger and less common than 卑劣.
He's a person who uses contemptible language.
Literally 'dirty', but figuratively means 'underhanded' or 'despicable' when describing actions or methods.
Don't use contemptible tricks.
Means 'shameful' or 'wretched', often implying a pitiful lack of dignity. Can sound literary.
A contemptible figure obsessed with money.
He despises liars.
Literally 'look down', meaning to treat someone as inferior. Often implies arrogance.
Stop that contemptible attitude of looking down on people.
A stronger, more literary verb for 'scorn' or 'despise'. Less common in daily speech.
He is not the kind of person who scorns the weak.
Means 'unforgivable' or 'intolerable'. Commonly used for contemptible acts.
His behavior is utterly contemptible.
Literally 'shameless', used as a noun or adjective for someone who lacks moral sense.
I've never seen such a contemptible, shameless guy.
Idiom meaning 'to be disgusted' or 'to find contemptible', literally 'insects crawl (on my skin)'.
Just seeing his face disgusts me; he's contemptible.
He is contemptible (should be despised).