Translation guide
Expressing contempt, disdain, or looking down on someone or something. Japanese uses various nouns, verbs, and adjectives depending on the nuance and formality.
Expressing a feeling that someone or something is worthless or despicable.
The most common and neutral noun for scorn or contempt. Can be used in both spoken and written contexts.
He looked at me with scorn.
She scorns liars.
A verb meaning to scorn or despise, often with a nuance of looking down on someone. Slightly more literary than 軽蔑する.
He takes an attitude of scorning others.
A stronger, more formal noun for scorn or contempt, often used in written or formal contexts.
The remark was full of scorn.
Rejecting something with contempt, as if it is beneath consideration.
Expressing scorn through laughter or ridicule.
Viewing someone as inferior and treating them with scorn.
軽蔑 (けいべつ) is the general term for scorn/contempt and is suitable for most situations. 侮蔑 (ぶべつ) is stronger and more formal, often implying insult along with contempt. Use 軽蔑 in everyday conversation and 侮蔑 in writing or formal speech.
English 'scorn' as a verb can often be translated with 軽蔑する, but in many cases a more natural Japanese expression uses a phrase like 見下す or 鼻であしらう. Avoid literal translations like 'scorn someone' → 人を軽蔑する in all contexts; choose the phrase that matches the nuance.
He is the scorn of the whole class.
She poured scorn on my ideas.
She scorned my advice.
They scorned my efforts.
相手を見くびると痛い目にあう。
If you scorn your opponent, you'll regret it.