Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Neglect" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "neglect", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
怠る
おこたる (okotaru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
蔑ろ
ないがしろ (naigashiro)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "neglect" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 怠る and 蔑ろ.
In Japanese, 怠る (おこたる (okotaru)) is typically associated with "to neglect, to be negligent, to be idle" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to failing to do something that should be done, often due to laziness or carelessness. Can imply a lack of effort or responsibility..
On the other hand, 蔑ろ (ないがしろ (naigashiro)) maps to "neglect; disregard; make light of; ignore; treat with contempt; slight" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used to describe treating something/someone important or serious as insignificant, leading to negative consequences. Can apply to rules, feelings, responsibilities, etc.. A literal translation of "neglect" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "怠る"
勉強を怠ると、試験に落ちるだろう。
If you neglect your studies, you will probably fail the exam.
Bilingual Context for "蔑ろ"
約束を蔑ろにしてはいけません。
You should not make light of promises.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "勉強を ＿＿＿ と、試験に落ちるだろう。" (Meaning: "If you neglect your studies, you will probably fail the exam.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "怠る" fits here because it means "to neglect, to be negligent, to be idle" in the context of: "If you neglect your studies, you will probably fail the exam.". "蔑ろ" represents "neglect; disregard; make light of; ignore; treat with contempt; slight".