Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Disparage" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "disparage", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
けなす
けなす (kenasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
貶める
おとしめる (otoshimeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "disparage" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between けなす and 貶める.
In Japanese, けなす (けなす (kenasu)) is typically associated with "to disparage, to speak ill of, to put down, to run down" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents To criticize negatively, often unfairly, or to belittle someone/something..
On the other hand, 貶める (おとしめる (otoshimeru)) maps to "to disparage, to look down on, to belittle, to humiliate" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 人の評価や評判を意図的に下げること、または人を軽蔑し、恥をかかせることです。強いネガティブな意味合いがあります。. A literal translation of "disparage" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "けなす"
人の作品をむやみにけなすべきではない。
You shouldn't needlessly disparage other people's work.
Bilingual Context for "貶める"
彼の成功を妬み、陰で彼を貶める発言を繰り返した。
Envying his success, he repeatedly made disparaging remarks about him behind his back.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "人の作品をむやみに ＿＿＿ べきではない。" (Meaning: "You shouldn't needlessly disparage other people's work.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "けなす" fits here because it means "to disparage, to speak ill of, to put down, to run down" in the context of: "You shouldn't needlessly disparage other people's work.". "貶める" represents "to disparage, to look down on, to belittle, to humiliate".