Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Contempt" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "contempt", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
侮蔑
ぶべつ (bubetsu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
蔑視
べっし (besshi)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "contempt" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 侮蔑 and 蔑視.
In Japanese, 侮蔑 (ぶべつ (bubetsu)) is typically associated with "contempt, scorn, disdain" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Strong negative feeling of looking down on someone or something. Often used with 「する」.
On the other hand, 蔑視 (べっし (besshi)) maps to "contempt, scorn, disdain, looking down on" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Implies looking down on someone or something, treating them as inferior, worthless, or deserving of contempt. It often relates to prejudice or discrimination and is a stronger term than '軽視'. A literal translation of "contempt" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "侮蔑"
彼は人前で他人を侮蔑するような態度はとらない。
He doesn't take an attitude of scorning others in front of people.
Bilingual Context for "蔑視"
彼はその文化を蔑視する発言をした。
He made a remark that showed contempt for that culture.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は人前で他人を ＿＿＿ するような態度はとらない。" (Meaning: "He doesn't take an attitude of scorning others in front of people.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "侮蔑" fits here because it means "contempt, scorn, disdain" in the context of: "He doesn't take an attitude of scorning others in front of people.". "蔑視" represents "contempt, scorn, disdain, looking down on".