Translation guide
To regard someone or something as inferior, unworthy, or beneath consideration. Japanese expresses this through verbs of contempt, disdain, and condescension, as well as idiomatic phrases involving 'seeing' or 'looking' from above.
Expressing that you consider someone or something inferior or worthless.
The most direct equivalent, literally 'look down'. Used for people, actions, or things. Can be strong.
彼はいつも他人を見下している。
He always looks down on others.
そんな風に人を見下すのはよくない。
It's not good to look down on people like that.
Stronger, more formal 'despise' or 'scorn'. Often used for moral condemnation.
彼は嘘をつく人を軽蔑している。
He despises people who lie.
To make fun of, treat as stupid, or belittle. Very common in casual speech.
彼は私の意見を馬鹿にした。
He made fun of my opinion.
To underestimate or look down on someone's abilities. Often used when someone proves you wrong.
彼を見くびっていたよ。
I underestimated him.
Literary/formal term for scorn or contempt. Stronger than 見下す.
彼は裏切り者を蔑んだ目で見た。
He looked at the traitor with contempt.
Treating someone as if they are less intelligent, capable, or important.
Literally 'viewpoint from above'. Describes a condescending attitude. Very common.
彼の上から目線の言い方が嫌だ。
I hate his condescending way of speaking.
A condescending attitude, using the verb 見下す.
彼女はいつも見下した態度をとる。
She always takes a condescending attitude.
Physically looking downward from an elevated position.
Literally 'look down from above'. Used for physical vantage points, not contempt.
山の上から町を見下ろした。
I looked down on the town from the top of the mountain.
見下す is more about a sense of superiority, while 軽蔑する is stronger moral contempt. 見下す can be used for everyday snobbery; 軽蔑する is for serious disdain.
彼は学歴で人を見下す。
He looks down on people based on their academic background.
彼は不正を軽蔑している。
He despises injustice.
見下ろす only means physically looking down from a height. Using it to mean 'look down on' (despise) is incorrect. Use 見下す instead.