Translation guide
To express a low opinion of someone or something, often in a way that is unfair or disrespectful. Japanese offers many options depending on the degree of directness, formality, and whether the target is a person, their abilities, or an idea.
To say negative things about a person, often behind their back or in a dismissive way.
A common, neutral way to say 'speak ill of' someone. Can be used in various contexts.
He always speaks ill of his boss.
To disparage, run down, or criticize someone or something. Often used for direct criticism.
She disparaged my proposal.
To harshly criticize or tear down someone or something. Stronger than けなす.
Many people harshly disparage celebrities online.
To slander or speak ill of someone. Somewhat literary or formal.
He is not the kind of person who disparages others behind their backs.
To regard someone or something as unworthy or beneath consideration.
To look down on, despise, or treat with contempt. Commonly used for attitudes of superiority.
He tends to disparage people based on their educational background.
To despise or scorn. Stronger and more emotional than 見下す.
To scorn or disdain. Often used in written or formal contexts.
To make something seem less important, valuable, or impressive than it really is.
To underestimate or undervalue. Often used for abilities, achievements, or worth.
You shouldn't disparage his contributions.
To make light of, belittle, or treat as unimportant. Slightly formal.
To belittle, despise, or take lightly. Often implies a mistake in judgment.
To speak humbly or critically about oneself, often as a cultural norm.
In Japanese culture, self-deprecation is common and often expected. Instead of directly translating 'disparage oneself,' use humble expressions or downplay your own abilities.
I still have a long way to go (disparaging oneself).
Not at all. My Japanese is poor (self-deprecating).
Literally 'self-torture,' used for self-deprecating humor or comments. Often in the phrase 自虐ネタ (self-deprecating joke).
English 'disparage' often implies unfair or disrespectful criticism. Some Japanese equivalents like けなす or こき下ろす are quite direct and can sound harsh. In many situations, softer expressions like 悪く言う or 過小評価する are safer.
I didn't mean to disparage his opinion.
けなす focuses on verbal criticism or running something down, while 見下す is about an attitude of looking down on someone. You can けなす someone's work without 見下す the person.
I despise his cowardly actions.
彼は他人をさげすむような目で見た。
He looked at others with disparaging eyes.
彼は自分の健康を軽んじている。
He disparages his own health (by neglecting it).
相手を侮ると痛い目にあう。
If you disparage your opponent, you'll regret it.
He always gets laughs with self-deprecating jokes.
I criticized the work, but I don't look down on the creator.