Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Neglect" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "neglect", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
軽視
けいし (keishi)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
怠る
おこたる (okotaru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "neglect" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 軽視 and 怠る.
In Japanese, 軽視 (けいし (keishi)) is typically associated with "neglect; look down upon; make light of; ignore" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to making light of something, neglecting, or ignoring its importance. Contrast with 重視.
On the other hand, 怠る (おこたる (okotaru)) maps to "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.. A literal translation of "neglect" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "軽視"
安全対策を_______した結果、工場で防げたはずの事故が発生してしまいました。
As a result of neglecting safety measures, an accident that could have been prevented occurred at the factory.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "安全対策を_______した結果、工場で防げたはずの事故が発生してしまいました。" (Meaning: "As a result of neglecting safety measures, an accident that could have been prevented occurred at the factory.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "軽視" fits here because it means "neglect; look down upon; make light of; ignore" in the context of: "As a result of neglecting safety measures, an accident that could have been prevented occurred at the factory.". "怠る" represents "to neglect, to be negligent, to be idle".