Translation guide
The English word 'disrespect' covers a range of behaviors and attitudes, from mild rudeness to outright contempt. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent; instead, different words and phrases are used depending on whether you're describing an action, an attitude, a violation of social norms, or a feeling of being disrespected. This guide organizes the most useful expressions by the intended meaning.
Describing an action or manner that is rude, impolite, or lacking in courtesy.
The most common and versatile word for rudeness or impoliteness. It can be used as a noun or a na-adjective. Often used in set phrases like 失礼な (rude) or 失礼します (excuse me).
彼の態度は失礼だ。
His attitude is disrespectful.
そんなことを言うのは失礼です。
It's rude to say such a thing.
A stronger, more formal word for rudeness or insolence. Often used in written or formal contexts. Implies a deliberate lack of respect.
Similar to 無礼 but less common. Also means impoliteness or discourtesy. Mainly used in formal writing.
Expressing an attitude of scorn, disdain, or treating someone as inferior.
Acting in a way that disregards proper social order, seniority, or expected deference.
Expressing the subjective experience of being treated with disrespect.
Passive form of 馬鹿にする (to make a fool of). Means 'to be made fun of' or 'to be treated like an idiot'. Very common in spoken Japanese.
彼に馬鹿にされた気がする。
I feel like he disrespected me. / I feel like he made a fool of me.
Showing disrespect by using inappropriate speech levels or failing to use honorific language.
In Japanese, using casual speech (タメ口) with someone who expects polite speech (敬語) is a clear sign of disrespect or over-familiarity.
先生にタメ口をきくのは失礼だ。
Speaking casually to a teacher is disrespectful.
Dropping the honorific prefix from certain nouns (e.g., saying 金 instead of お金) can sound blunt or disrespectful in formal situations.
There is no single Japanese noun that covers all uses of 'disrespect'. Translating 'disrespect' directly as 不敬 or 無礼 often sounds too strong or formal. Instead, use a verb phrase like 失礼なことをする (do something rude) or 軽蔑する (despise) depending on the nuance.
彼は私に失礼なことをした。
He disrespected me. (lit. He did something rude to me.)
失礼 is the most general and everyday word for rudeness. 無礼 is stronger and more formal, implying intentional insolence. 不敬 specifically refers to disrespect toward superiors, elders, or sacred things, and is often used in historical or hierarchical contexts.
Disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.
Apologize for the disrespect.
The standard word for contempt or scorn. Often used with する to mean 'to despise' or 'to look down on'.
彼は私を軽蔑している。
He despises me. / He looks down on me.
軽蔑の目で見る。
Look at someone with contempt.
Means insult or affront. Stronger than 軽蔑, often implying a direct verbal or symbolic attack on someone's dignity.
それは侮辱だ。
That's an insult. / That's disrespectful.
彼の言葉は私への侮辱だった。
His words were an insult to me.
A verb meaning 'to look down on' or 'to treat with contempt'. More colloquial than 軽蔑する.
人を見下すような態度はよくない。
An attitude that looks down on people is not good.
A literary verb meaning to scorn or despise. Stronger and more emotional than 軽蔑する.
彼は裏切り者を蔑んだ。
He scorned the traitor.
Specifically refers to disrespect toward superiors, elders, or sacred things. Implies a breach of expected reverence.
目上の人に不敬な態度をとる。
Take a disrespectful attitude toward one's superiors.
A set phrase meaning 'informal party where rank is forgotten'. It's a deliberate suspension of normal respect rules, not actual disrespect.
今夜は無礼講でいきましょう。
Let's forget about rank and formality tonight.
Passive of 軽んじる (to make light of, to slight). Means to be slighted or treated as unimportant.
部下に軽んじられていると感じる。
I feel that my subordinates disrespect me.
Slangy passive of なめる (to underestimate, to look down on). Implies being taken lightly or not taken seriously.
あいつになめられたくない。
I don't want to be disrespected by that guy.
お名前を伺ってもよろしいですか？ (polite) vs 名前は？ (blunt/disrespectful)
May I ask your name? vs. Name? (blunt)