Translation guide
The English word 'despicable' describes someone or something that is morally contemptible, hateful, or deserving of strong condemnation. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through a range of adjectives, verbs, and idiomatic phrases that vary in intensity, formality, and usage context.
Expressing strong moral condemnation of a person or their actions, similar to 'despicable' in English.
His methods are despicable.
I can't forgive such a despicable act.
Means 'vulgar' or 'base', emphasizing a lack of moral character or refinement. Stronger than 卑劣 in some contexts.
He is a despicable person.
Literally 'dirty', but commonly used metaphorically to mean 'despicable' or 'underhanded', especially in spoken Japanese.
Don't use despicable tricks.
Describes actions that are cunning, vicious, or excessively underhanded, often in business or schemes.
It's a company that does despicable business.
Expressing strong personal hatred or disgust toward someone, often with emotional intensity.
Means 'hateful' or 'detestable', directly conveying that someone or something deserves hatred. Often used in formal or written contexts.
His actions are despicable.
Literally 'unforgivable', used colloquially to express that something is so despicable it cannot be forgiven.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to be disgusted' or 'to find despicable', literally 'insects crawl'. Strong visceral reaction.
Describing someone or something as lacking value, honor, or dignity, often with a nuance of scorn.
Means 'contemptible' or 'deserving of scorn'. Formal and often used in written language.
His attitude is despicable.
Means 'wretched', 'miserable', or 'despicable', often implying a pitiful lack of character. Somewhat literary.
Archaic or literary term meaning 'lowly' or 'base', implying low social status or moral baseness. Rare in modern speech.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches all nuances of 'despicable'. Choose the expression based on whether you want to emphasize moral contempt, emotional hatred, or scornful worthlessness. Using 卑劣 is the safest general option.
卑劣 (hiretsu) focuses on cowardly or underhanded meanness. 下劣 (geretsu) implies vulgarity and baseness of character. 汚い (kitanai) is a colloquial metaphor for dirty tricks. Use 卑劣 for most situations; 下劣 for stronger moral condemnation; 汚い in casual speech.
Doing something like that is truly despicable.
Just seeing his face is despicable (makes my skin crawl).
金に執着するさもしい奴だ。
He's a despicable guy obsessed with money.
Don't behave in a despicable manner.