Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
小馬鹿にする (こばかにする) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, suru verb (irregular)
look down on ; treat with contempt ; sneer at
Used when someone belittles or disparages another person, often with a nuance of scorn or condescension. The 小馬鹿 (こばか) part literally means 'little fool'.
そんな 小こ 馬ば 鹿か に し た 態たい 度ど は やめ て ほしい 。
I wish you would stop that condescending attitude.
Written forms 小こ 馬ば 鹿か にする
Standard kanji spelling for this expression.
小こ ばかにする
Mixed kana-kanji spelling, common in everyday writing.
Similar words 見み 下くだ す 見下す is a more direct verb meaning 'to look down on' or 'despise', while 小馬鹿にする is a set phrase that emphasizes treating someone as a fool.
馬ば 鹿か にする 馬鹿にする means 'to make fun of' or 'to ridicule', while 小馬鹿にする adds a nuance of belittling or treating with contempt, often in a more subtle or sneering way.
Etymology Compound of 小 (こ, 'small') + 馬鹿 (ばか, 'fool') + にする (light verb construction). The expression literally means 'to treat as a little fool', implying condescension.
