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
蔑視
べっし (besshi)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "contempt" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 軽蔑 and 蔑視.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "蔑視" represents "contempt, scorn, disdain, looking down on".