Translation guide
Disdain is a feeling of strong dislike or disapproval for someone or something you consider unworthy. In Japanese, expressing disdain involves a range of words and phrases that convey contempt, scorn, or looking down on others. The most common and versatile term is 軽蔑 (keibetsu), but other expressions like 蔑む (sagesumu) and 見下す (mikudasu) are also used. This guide covers the most useful ways to express disdain in Japanese, from direct vocabulary to nuanced phrases.
Expressing a strong feeling that someone or something is worthless or beneath consideration.
The most common and direct noun for 'disdain' or 'contempt'. Can be used with する to mean 'to disdain'.
He disdains liars.
There was a look of disdain in her eyes.
A verb meaning 'to scorn' or 'to despise'. Slightly more literary than 軽蔑する.
He is not the kind of person who scorns the weak.
A noun meaning 'scorn' or 'contempt', often used in formal or written contexts. Similar to 軽蔑 but can imply a stronger sense of insult.
His words were full of scorn.
A less common noun meaning 'disdain' or 'slight'. Often used in compound words or formal writing.
He took an attitude of disdain toward his opponent.
Expressing disdain through the act of looking down on someone as inferior.
A common verb meaning 'to look down on' or 'to despise'. Implies a sense of superiority.
He always looks down on others.
A very common phrase meaning 'to make fun of' or 'to look down on'. Can range from light teasing to genuine disdain depending on context.
Can also mean 'to make a fool of' or 'to ridicule', so context is important.
Showing disdain not just as a feeling but through dismissive actions or speech.
A phrase meaning 'disdainful attitude'. Uses the past tense of 蔑む as an adjective.
I was angered by his disdainful attitude.
Means 'a disdainful tone of voice'. Useful for describing how someone speaks.
A noun meaning 'contempt' or 'disdain', often used in compounds like 蔑視する (to despise). More formal and less common in everyday speech.
軽蔑 (keibetsu) is a strong, often internal feeling of contempt. 見下す (mikudasu) emphasizes the act of looking down on someone from a position of superiority. 馬鹿にする (baka ni suru) is more casual and can mean anything from teasing to genuine disdain, so it's less intense than the other two. Use 軽蔑 for serious contempt, 見下す for a superior attitude, and 馬鹿にする for everyday put-downs.
English often uses 'disdain' as a verb (e.g., 'She disdains gossip'). In Japanese, it's more natural to use noun+する constructions like 軽蔑する or specific verbs like 見下す. Simply saying 軽蔑する is fine, but using the noun form with 感じる (to feel) or 示す (to show) can be more precise.
She looked at him with disdain.
He disdains people who don't work hard.
I felt nothing but disdain for his cowardice.
It's not good to look down on people like that.
He sniffed at my proposal.
He looks down on me.
He spoke in a disdainful tone.
彼は弱者を蔑視する傾向がある。
He has a tendency to despise the weak.