Translation guide
How to express treating someone or something with contempt in Japanese, from strong disdain to casual disrespect.
Expressing that you consider someone or something inferior or worthless.
The most common and direct verb for looking down on someone or treating them as inferior.
He always looks down on me.
An attitude that looks down on people is not good.
Stronger than 見下す; implies active contempt or scorn, often used in formal or written contexts.
I despise his behavior.
To make fun of or treat as stupid; very common in casual speech.
He made fun of my opinion.
To underestimate or belittle, often implying a failure to recognize true worth. Somewhat literary.
Don't underestimate your enemy.
Showing a lack of respect or consideration, often through actions or attitude.
To make light of or treat as unimportant; often used for disregarding advice, rules, or people.
He disregarded his parents' advice.
To handle roughly or carelessly; implies treating someone or something without proper respect.
Don't treat customers disrespectfully.
To neglect or treat with contempt, often implying a deliberate slight. Strong and somewhat literary.
He neglects his family (treats them with contempt).
Expressing contempt openly through words, facial expressions, or tone.
To sneer or laugh scornfully at someone.
He sneered at my failure.
To mock or deride; similar to 嘲笑う but can be less visual.
To laugh through one's nose; a very common idiomatic way to say 'scoff' or 'snort derisively'.
He scoffed at my suggestion.
Showing contempt by ignoring or refusing to acknowledge someone.
見下す is more about a general attitude of looking down on someone, while 軽蔑する is a stronger, more active feeling of contempt or disgust. 軽蔑する is often used in formal writing or serious contexts.
He always looks down on people.
I despise his dishonesty.
English phrases like 'treat with contempt' don't have a single direct equivalent. Using a literal translation like 軽蔑で扱う is unnatural. Instead, use the verbs and phrases listed above.
彼女は彼の努力を嘲った。
She mocked his efforts.
He didn't give me the time of day.
Literally 'not even put on a tooth'; an idiomatic expression meaning to treat as completely insignificant.
He paid no heed whatsoever to my warning.