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
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 軽視 and 蔑ろにする.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "蔑ろにする" represents "to neglect, to disregard, to make light of, to treat slightingly".