Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Neglect" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "neglect", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
等閑
とうかん (tōkan)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
蔑ろにする
ないがしろにする (naigashiro ni suru)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "neglect" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 等閑 and 蔑ろにする.
In Japanese, 等閑 (とうかん (tōkan)) is typically associated with "neglect; indifference; leaving alone" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Usually used in the phrase 等閑に付す.
On the other hand, 蔑ろにする (ないがしろにする (naigashiro ni suru)) maps to "to neglect, to disregard, to make light of, to treat slightingly" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents ルール、忠告、感情、義務など、本来重要であるはずのものを軽んじたり、無視したりすることを表します。しばしば悪い結果を招きます。. A literal translation of "neglect" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "等閑"
重要な問題であるにもかかわらず、彼はその提案を等閑に付した。
Despite being an important issue, he neglected the proposal.
Bilingual Context for "蔑ろにする"
環境保護の重要性を蔑ろにしてはならない。
We must not disregard the importance of environmental protection.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "重要な問題であるにもかかわらず、彼はその提案を ＿＿＿ に付した。" (Meaning: "Despite being an important issue, he neglected the proposal.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "等閑" fits here because it means "neglect; indifference; leaving alone" in the context of: "Despite being an important issue, he neglected the proposal.". "蔑ろにする" represents "to neglect, to disregard, to make light of, to treat slightingly".