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.
He always looks down on others.
It's not good to look down on people like that.
Stronger, more formal 'despise' or 'scorn'. Often used for moral condemnation.
He despises people who lie.
To make fun of, treat as stupid, or belittle. Very common in casual speech.
He made fun of my opinion.
To underestimate or look down on someone's abilities. Often used when someone proves you wrong.
I underestimated him.
Literary/formal term for scorn or contempt. Stronger than 見下す.
He looked at the traitor with contempt.
Treating someone as if they are less intelligent, capable, or important.
Physically looking downward from an elevated position.
Literally 'look down from above'. Used for physical vantage points, not contempt.
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.
He looks down on people based on their academic background.
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.