Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Contempt" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "contempt", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
軽蔑
けいべつ (keibetsu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
侮蔑
ぶべつ (bubetsu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "contempt" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 軽蔑 and 侮蔑.
In Japanese, 軽蔑 (けいべつ (keibetsu)) is typically associated with "contempt; scorn; disdain" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to looking down on someone, or feeling contempt/scorn toward someone. Contrast with 尊敬.
On the other hand, 侮蔑 (ぶべつ (bubetsu)) maps to "contempt, scorn, disdain" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Strong negative feeling of looking down on someone or something. Often used with 「する」. A literal translation of "contempt" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "軽蔑"
人を_______するような態度は、誰からも嫌われる原因になります。
An attitude of showing contempt for others is a cause for being disliked by everyone.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "人を_______するような態度は、誰からも嫌われる原因になります。" (Meaning: "An attitude of showing contempt for others is a cause for being disliked by everyone.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "軽蔑" fits here because it means "contempt; scorn; disdain" in the context of: "An attitude of showing contempt for others is a cause for being disliked by everyone.". "侮蔑" represents "contempt, scorn, disdain".