Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Neglect" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "neglect", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
蔑ろ
ないがしろ (naigashiro)
N2 / 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 蔑ろ and 蔑ろにする.
In Japanese, 蔑ろ (ないがしろ (naigashiro)) is typically associated with "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..
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 "蔑ろ"
約束を蔑ろにしてはいけません。
You should not make light of promises.
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: "約束を ＿＿＿ にしてはいけません。" (Meaning: "You should not make light of promises.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "蔑ろ" fits here because it means "neglect; disregard; make light of; ignore; treat with contempt; slight" in the context of: "You should not make light of promises.". "蔑ろにする" represents "to neglect, to disregard, to make light of, to treat slightingly".