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B1 verb #4,500 le plus courant 8 min de lecture

軽蔑する

keibetsu suru Top 4,500

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 軽蔑する en 30 secondes

Explication 軽蔑する in your Level:

At the A1 level, '軽蔑する' (keibetsu suru) is a very advanced word that you likely won't need to use yourself. However, it's good to know that it means 'to not like someone because you think they are bad.' At this stage, you should focus on simpler words like '嫌い' (kirai - dislike) or '良くない' (yokunai - not good). If you see this word in a book, just remember it's a very strong 'no' feeling toward someone's personality. It's like saying 'I don't respect them.' Since A1 learners focus on basic needs and greetings, this word is more of a 'passive' vocabulary item. You might see the kanji 軽 (light) in other words like 軽い (karui - light weight), which is much more common for beginners. Don't worry about using it in conversation yet; just recognize that it's a serious word used for serious bad feelings.

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At the A2 level, you are starting to describe people's personalities and feelings. '軽蔑する' is a step above '嫌う' (kirau). While 'kirau' is just 'I don't like it,' 'keibetsu suru' is 'I don't respect them because they did something bad.' You might hear this in a simple Japanese story or a drama. For example, '彼は嘘をついたので、私は彼を軽蔑しました' (He told a lie, so I despised him). At this level, try to understand that this word is for 'moral' things, like lying or cheating. It's not for food or weather. If you want to say you don't like a person's behavior, this is a strong word to use. You should also learn the noun form '軽蔑' (keibetsu), which means 'contempt' or 'scorn.' Practice recognizing the 'kei' kanji, as it appears in many useful words.

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At the B1 level, you should be able to use '軽蔑する' in specific contexts. This word is perfect for discussing social issues, character traits in literature, or deeper personal conflicts. You should know that it is a 'suru-verb' and takes the particle 'wo.' For example, '不正をする人を軽蔑する' (I despise people who commit fraud). At this level, you should also distinguish it from '見下す' (mikudasu - to look down on). While 'mikudasu' often implies social status (rich looking down on poor), 'keibetsu' is about character. You should also be comfortable with the passive form '軽蔑される' (to be despised), which is common when talking about how society views certain crimes or bad behaviors. This is a key word for reaching intermediate fluency in expressing complex opinions.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '軽蔑する.' You should recognize its role in formal writing and news. You should be able to use it to describe the 'Four Horsemen' of relationships or social dynamics in a workplace. At this level, you should also understand the noun-modifying form, such as '軽蔑の眼差し' (a look of scorn) or '軽蔑すべき行為' (an act that should be despised). You should be able to explain *why* someone is being despised using complex grammar like '〜が理由で' or '〜したことによって.' You should also start comparing it with more formal synonyms like '蔑む' (sagesumu) or '侮蔑する' (bubetsu suru). Understanding the cultural weight—that showing 'keibetsu' is a major social rupture—is essential for B2 learners.

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At the C1 level, you should be able to use '軽蔑する' with precision in academic or professional discussions. You can use it to analyze literary themes or discuss the psychological impact of contempt in society. You should be aware of the etymological roots (treating someone as 'light/worthless') and how this reflects Japanese values of 'omome' (weight/importance) in character. You should be able to use the word in varied grammatical structures, including '〜を軽蔑してやまない' (cannot help but despise). Furthermore, you should be able to distinguish the subtle differences between 'keibetsu' and related terms like '冷遇' (reiguu - cold treatment) or '疎外' (sogai - alienation) in a sociological context. Your usage should reflect an understanding of when *not* to use the word to maintain 'wa' (harmony).

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At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of '軽蔑する.' You can use it to engage in deep philosophical debates about morality, human nature, and social hierarchy. You understand its use in classical and modern literature and can identify how its usage has evolved over time. You are comfortable using it in highly formal speeches or written critiques. You can also pick up on the word's presence in subtle subtexts—where the word itself isn't used, but the 'keibetsu' is implied through honorifics (or the lack thereof) and body language. You can use the word and its derivatives to discuss complex legal concepts like 'contempt of court' or international relations where one nation 'despises' the actions of another. Your mastery includes the ability to use the word with varying degrees of intensity and sarcasm.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

軽蔑する en 30 secondes

A strong verb meaning to despise or look down on someone morally.
Implies a sense of superiority and a deep lack of respect.
Used for serious moral failings like lying, cheating, or cowardice.
Common in formal contexts, literature, and news media.

The Japanese verb 軽蔑する (keibetsu suru) is a powerful and emotionally charged term that translates to 'to despise,' 'to scorn,' or 'to look down upon.' It is a compound verb consisting of two kanji: 軽 (kei), meaning 'light' or 'frivolous,' and 蔑 (betsu), meaning 'neglect' or 'disdain.' Together, they describe the act of treating someone or something as 'light'—that is, unworthy of serious consideration, respect, or human dignity. Unlike simple dislike (嫌う - kirau), keibetsu implies a hierarchy; the person doing the despising feels morally, intellectually, or socially superior to the object of their scorn.

Core Nuance: It is not just about anger; it is about a lack of respect. When you despise someone in Japanese culture, you are effectively saying their character is beneath yours.

彼は嘘をつく人を軽蔑する傾向がある。
(He has a tendency to despise people who tell lies.)

In Japanese society, where harmony (wa) and mutual respect are paramount, using the word 軽蔑 is a very strong statement. It is often used in literature, news reporting, and serious interpersonal discussions rather than casual daily chatter. If you say you 'despise' someone in a casual setting, it carries a weight that suggests a deep-seated moral rejection of that person's lifestyle or choices. It is frequently applied to behaviors seen as cowardly, dishonest, or exploitative.

Social Context: Using this word in a professional setting toward a colleague is extremely confrontational and usually signals a permanent break in the relationship.

The term is also used in legal and psychological contexts. For instance, 'contempt of court' is translated using this root as 法廷侮辱 (houtei bujoku), but the feeling of keibetsu is what underpins the lack of respect for authority. In psychological terms, it is considered one of the 'Four Horsemen' of relationship failure, as looking down on a partner is a precursor to divorce or separation. Therefore, understanding this word requires understanding the gravity of social standing and character integrity in Japan.

彼女の軽蔑に満ちた眼差しに、彼は言葉を失った。
(He was lost for words at her gaze full of scorn.)

Grammar Note: It is a Suru-verb, meaning it follows the pattern [Noun] + [Suru]. The object being despised is marked with the particle を (wo).

Using 軽蔑する correctly involves understanding its transitivity and its typical objects. As a suru-verb, it takes a direct object. You 'despise' someone or an action. The most common structure is [Person/Action] を軽蔑する. It is important to note that you cannot use this for minor annoyances. You wouldn't 'despise' a flavor of ice cream; you would use 'kirai' (dislike) for that. Keibetsu is reserved for human character and moral failings.

Usage with People: When targeting a person, it suggests you find them pathetic or morally bankrupt. Example: 'I despise him for betraying his friends.'

仲間を裏切るような男は軽蔑されて当然だ。
(A man who betrays his comrades deserves to be despised.)

The passive form, 軽蔑される (keibetsu sareru), is also very common. In Japanese culture, being the object of 'keibetsu' is a significant social punishment. It implies being cast out or looked down upon by the collective. Another common variation is 軽蔑の眼差し (keibetsu no manazashi), which means 'a look of scorn.' This describes a non-verbal way of communicating disdain, which is very common in Japanese storytelling and cinema.

Abstract Objects: You can also despise abstract concepts like 'hypocrisy' (偽善 - gizen) or 'weakness' (弱さ - yowasa).

In terms of tense, 軽蔑している (keibetsu shite iru) is used to describe a continuous state of feeling scorn toward someone. If you say 軽蔑した (keibetsu shita), it often implies a specific moment where you lost respect for someone. For example, 'When I saw him steal, I despised him (at that moment).' This distinction is vital for accurate storytelling in Japanese.

そんな卑怯なやり方は軽蔑に値する。
(Such a cowardly method is worthy of contempt.)

Common Collocation: 〜を軽蔑の目で見る (To look at someone with eyes of scorn).

You will encounter 軽蔑する in various high-context situations in Japan. One of the most common places is in Japanese Literature (Bungaku). Great authors like Natsume Soseki or Yukio Mishima often used this word to describe the complex social hierarchies and moral judgments between characters. It serves as a tool to illustrate internal conflict and social alienation.

News and Media: In news reports, you might hear it when a public figure's scandalous behavior is criticized by the public. Commentators might say 'The public is despising (keibetsu shite iru) the politician's lack of accountability.'

ニュースでは、その政治家の無責任な発言が国民から軽蔑されていると報じられた。
(The news reported that the politician's irresponsible remarks are being despised by the citizens.)

Another common arena is Anime and Manga. Antagonists often use this word to express their superiority over the protagonist, or a protagonist might use it when they find a villain's methods truly disgusting. It adds a layer of 'moral high ground' to the dialogue. Phrases like 'Kisama no you na yatsu wa keibetsu suru' (I despise someone like you) are staples in shonen battle manga.

Workplace Drama: In TV dramas centered on corporate life, 'keibetsu' is used to describe the feeling toward a boss who takes credit for a subordinate's work.

Finally, social media and online forums (like 2channel or X) are rife with this word. It is used to label people who break social etiquette or who are perceived as 'cringe' or morally bankrupt. In these digital spaces, the word can sometimes lose its gravity and be used more loosely to mean 'I think this person is pathetic.'

SNSでの誹謗中傷は、多くの人に軽蔑される行為だ。
(Slander on social media is an act despised by many people.)

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 軽蔑する is overusing it for simple dislikes. Because English speakers often use 'despise' or 'hate' interchangeably in casual conversation (e.g., 'I despise Mondays'), they might try to say 'Getsuyoubi wo keibetsu suru.' This sounds very strange to a Japanese ear. You cannot 'despise' a day of the week because a day doesn't have a character or moral agency to look down upon.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 嫌う (Kirau): Kirau is for personal dislike or emotional aversion. Keibetsu is for intellectual or moral judgment. You 'kirau' spiders, but you 'keibetsu' a thief.

× ピーマンを軽蔑する。
○ ピーマンが嫌いだ。
(Correcting the mistake of 'despising' green peppers.)

Another error is the confusion between 軽蔑する and 馬鹿にする (baka ni suru). While both involve looking down on someone, 'baka ni suru' usually means to make fun of someone or mock them. You might 'baka ni suru' a friend for making a silly mistake, but 'keibetsu' is much colder and more serious. 'Keibetsu' doesn't necessarily involve laughter or teasing; it involves a deep loss of respect.

Mistake 2: Incorrect Particle: Some learners use 'ni' (to) instead of 'wo' (direct object). Remember: Person を軽蔑する.

Lastly, learners often forget the difference between 軽蔑 (noun) and 軽蔑する (verb). If you want to say 'a look of contempt,' you must use the noun form: keibetsu no manazashi. Using the verb form there would be grammatically incorrect. Also, be aware of the word 蔑む (sagesumu), which is a native Japanese synonym. While similar, sagesumu is more literary and often used in written narratives rather than spoken conversation.

× 彼は私に軽蔑する。
○ 彼は私を軽蔑している。
(Correcting the particle error.)

To master 軽蔑する, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. Each has a specific nuance that changes the tone of your sentence. The most direct synonym is 蔑む (sagesumu). While both mean to look down on someone, sagesumu is a 'wago' (native Japanese word) and feels more poetic or descriptive of a long-standing attitude. Keibetsu is a 'kango' (Chinese-origin word) and feels more clinical, objective, or formal.

Comparison: 軽蔑 vs 侮蔑 (Bubetsu): 侮蔑 (Bubetsu) includes the element of 'insult' or 'slight.' While keibetsu is an internal feeling of scorn, bubetsu often implies an outward expression of that scorn to hurt the other person.

相手を蔑むような態度は慎むべきだ。
(You should refrain from an attitude that looks down on others.)

Another useful word is 見下す (mikudasu). This literally means 'to look down.' It is more colloquial than keibetsu and is used when someone acts superior because of their wealth, status, or ability. If a rich person treats a poor person as inferior, 'mikudasu' is the most common verb. Keibetsu, however, would be used if the rich person felt the poor person was morally 'dirty' or 'worthless.'

Comparison: 軽蔑 vs 嫌悪 (Ken'o): 嫌悪 (Ken'o) means 'disgust' or 'loathing.' It is more visceral and physical. You might feel ken'o toward a slimy insect, but keibetsu is a cognitive judgment of character.

Finally, we have 卑下する (hige suru). This is the opposite in terms of direction; it means to look down on *oneself* or to be humble to a fault. Understanding these directional verbs helps you navigate the complex social landscape of Japanese status. In summary, choose keibetsu suru when you want to emphasize a profound lack of respect based on someone's actions or character.

彼は他人を見下す癖がある。
(He has a habit of looking down on others.)

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The kanji 蔑 contains the 'eye' radical (目) but it is flattened. It represents looking at someone through narrowed eyes or looking down.

Guide de prononciation

UK /keɪ.be.tsu su.ru/

US /keɪ.be.tsu su.ru/

Pitch accent is usually on the 'be' (Heiban or Nakadaka depending on dialect, but standard is keibetsu-suru with a drop after 'be').

Rime avec

Seibetsu (gender) Meibetsu (distinction) Keisetsu (diligence) Heisetsu (annexation) Teibetsu (classification) Reibetsu (cold treatment) Geibetsu (artistic scorn - rare) Seibetsu (selection)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'kei' as 'kee'.
Over-emphasizing the 'u' at the end of 'tsu'.
Confusing the pitch with 'keisatsu' (police).
Failing to devoice the final 'u' in 'suru'.
Stressing the first syllable like English 'DES-pise'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 4/5

The kanji '蔑' is complex and not taught in early grades.

Écriture 5/5

Writing '蔑' from memory is difficult even for some natives.

Expression orale 3/5

Pronunciation is easy, but usage context is tricky.

Écoute 3/5

Easily recognized in serious dramas or news.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

嫌う悪い見る軽い人

Apprends ensuite

侮辱する蔑む卑下する敬う価値

Avancé

慇懃無礼白眼視歯牙にもかけない冷遇疎外

Grammaire à connaître

Suru-verbs

勉強する、軽蔑する

Passive Voice (れる/られる)

彼はみんなから軽蔑されている。

Relative Clauses

軽蔑するような態度はやめなさい。

Causative Passive

彼は無理やり軽蔑させられた（Rare context）。

Potential Form

あんな人は軽蔑せずにはいられない。

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Exemples par niveau

私は彼を軽蔑します。

I despise him.

Simple [Object] を [Verb] structure.

嘘は軽蔑されます。

Lies are despised.

Passive form: 軽蔑される.

彼女は軽蔑の目で見ました。

She looked with eyes of scorn.

Noun + no + Noun.

悪い人は軽蔑する。

I despise bad people.

Basic present tense.

軽蔑しないでください。

Please don't despise me.

Negative request: ~naide kudasai.

彼は私を軽蔑した。

He despised me.

Past tense: ~shita.

軽蔑は良くない。

Scorn is not good.

Noun usage as a subject.

みんなが彼を軽蔑している。

Everyone despises him.

Continuous state: ~shite iru.

約束を破る人を軽蔑する。

I despise people who break promises.

Relative clause: [Verb] + [Noun].

彼は軽蔑されるようなことをした。

He did something that would be despised.

Noun modification: [Verb] + [Noun].

私は自分を軽蔑したくない。

I don't want to despise myself.

Desire: ~tai + kunai.

彼女の軽蔑した顔を覚えている。

I remember her scornful face.

Past tense verb modifying a noun.

なぜ彼を軽蔑するのですか？

Why do you despise him?

Explanatory 'no desu ka'.

軽蔑することは悲しいことだ。

Despising someone is a sad thing.

Nominalization: [Verb] + koto.

彼は友達を軽蔑してしまった。

He ended up despising his friend.

Regret/Completion: ~te shimatta.

誰からも軽蔑されたくない。

I don't want to be despised by anyone.

Passive desire: ~sare-tai + kunai.

彼の卑怯な振る舞いを軽蔑せざるを得ない。

I cannot help but despise his cowardly behavior.

Cannot help but: ~zaru wo enai.

社会的に軽蔑される行為は避けるべきだ。

You should avoid acts that are socially despised.

Should: ~beki da.

彼女は彼を軽蔑していると言った。

She said she despises him.

Quotation: ~to itta.

軽蔑の念を禁じ得ない。

I cannot suppress a feeling of scorn.

Formal 'cannot suppress': ~wo kinji enai.

相手を軽蔑する前に、自分を振り返ろう。

Before despising others, let's reflect on ourselves.

Before: ~mae ni.

彼は軽蔑に満ちた笑みを浮かべた。

He gave a smile full of scorn.

Full of: ~ni michita.

そんな理由で軽蔑するのはおかしい。

It's strange to despise someone for that reason.

Reason: ~de.

軽蔑されたとしても、私は信念を曲げない。

Even if I am despised, I will not bend my beliefs.

Even if: ~ta to shite mo.

金銭のために魂を売る者を、私は軽蔑する。

I despise those who sell their souls for money.

Formal relative clause.

その事件以来、彼は町の人々に軽蔑されている。

Since that incident, he has been despised by the townsfolk.

Since: ~irai.

軽蔑と憎しみは紙一重だ。

Scorn and hatred are separated by a thin line.

Idiom: kami-hito-e (paper-thin difference).

彼は軽蔑を隠そうともしなかった。

He didn't even try to hide his scorn.

Didn't even try: ~ou to mo shinakatta.

人を軽蔑することで自分を高めようとするのは間違いだ。

It is a mistake to try to elevate oneself by despising others.

By doing: ~koto de.

彼の言葉には軽蔑の色が混じっていた。

There was a hint of scorn in his words.

Abstract 'color/hint': ~no iro.

軽蔑すべきは、努力しないことではなく、嘘をつくことだ。

What should be despised is not the lack of effort, but the telling of lies.

What should be: ~beki wa.

彼女は軽蔑を露わにして彼を追い出した。

She openly showed her scorn and kicked him out.

Show openly: ~wo arawa ni shite.

学問を軽蔑するような風潮を危惧している。

I am concerned about the trend of despising academia.

Trend/Tendency: fuuchou.

彼はエリート意識から、労働者を軽蔑していた。

Due to his elite consciousness, he looked down on laborers.

Due to: ~kara.

軽蔑の対象となるのは、常に弱者であるとは限らない。

It is not always the weak who become the object of scorn.

Not necessarily: ~towa kagiranai.

冷徹な合理主義は、時に人間性を軽蔑する。

Cold rationalism sometimes despises humanity.

Subject as abstract concept.

彼の沈黙は、雄弁な軽蔑の表現であった。

His silence was an eloquent expression of scorn.

Metaphorical usage.

相互の軽蔑が深まり、対話は不可能になった。

Mutual scorn deepened, making dialogue impossible.

Deepening: fukamari.

軽蔑をバネにして成功を掴み取った。

I used the scorn (of others) as a springboard to achieve success.

Using as a springboard: ~wo bane ni shite.

その作家は、文明の偽善を徹底的に軽蔑した。

The author thoroughly despised the hypocrisy of civilization.

Adverbial modification: tetteiteki ni.

ニーチェの哲学における軽蔑の役割を考察する。

Consider the role of contempt in Nietzsche's philosophy.

Academic 'Consider': kousatsu suru.

慇懃無礼な態度の裏には、しばしば深い軽蔑が潜んでいる。

Behind a polite but rude attitude, deep scorn often lurks.

Idiom: ingin-burei (polite but rude).

彼女の軽蔑は、もはや怒りを超えて無関心に近いものだった。

Her scorn had already surpassed anger and was closer to indifference.

Closer to: ~ni chikai mono.

軽蔑を込めた一瞥を投げ、彼はその場を去った。

Casting a scornful glance, he left the place.

Cast a glance: ichibetsu wo nageru.

自己軽蔑の泥沼から抜け出すのは容易ではない。

It is not easy to escape the quagmire of self-contempt.

Metaphor: mudanuma (quagmire).

権力者が民衆を軽蔑するとき、革命の火種が生まれる。

When those in power despise the masses, the seeds of revolution are sown.

Seeds of (fire): hidane.

軽蔑という感情は、他者との境界を明確にする。

The emotion of scorn clarifies the boundaries between oneself and others.

Appositive: ~to iu kanjou.

彼の著作には、大衆に対する冷ややかな軽蔑が通底している。

A chilly scorn for the masses runs through his writings.

Runs through/Underlies: tsuutei shite iru.

Synonymes

蔑む見下す侮る卑しめる侮蔑する馬鹿にする嘲笑う白眼視する

Antonymes

尊敬する崇拝する敬う称賛する

Collocations courantes

軽蔑の眼差し

〜を軽蔑してやまない

軽蔑に値する

自己軽蔑

軽蔑を込める

相互軽蔑

軽蔑を買う

軽蔑を隠さない

軽蔑を浴びせる

軽蔑の念

Phrases Courantes

軽蔑される

— To be despised by others.

嘘をつくと軽蔑されるよ。

軽蔑の対象

— The object or person who is despised.

彼はクラスで軽蔑の対象になった。

軽蔑の目で見る

— To look at someone with scornful eyes.

彼女を軽蔑の目で見てはいけない。

軽蔑しきった顔

— A face completely full of scorn.

彼は軽蔑しきった顔で私を見た。

軽蔑に耐える

— To endure being despised.

彼は周囲の軽蔑に耐えた。

軽蔑を誘う

— To invite or cause scorn.

彼の態度は軽蔑を誘うものだった。

軽蔑の言葉

— Words of scorn or contempt.

彼は軽蔑の言葉を吐き捨てた。

軽蔑を禁じ得ない

— Cannot help but feel scorn.

政治家の汚職には軽蔑を禁じ得ない。

軽蔑の色

— A hint or look of scorn.

彼女の瞳に軽蔑の色が浮かんだ。

軽蔑を笑い飛ばす

— To laugh off someone's scorn.

彼は他人の軽蔑を笑い飛ばした。

Souvent confondu avec

軽蔑する vs 嫌う (Kirau)

Kirau is emotional dislike; Keibetsu is moral/intellectual scorn.

軽蔑する vs 蔑む (Sagesumu)

Sagesumu is more literary and native Japanese; Keibetsu is more formal/academic.

軽蔑する vs 見下す (Mikudasu)

Mikudasu focuses on status/arrogance; Keibetsu focuses on character/worthlessness.

Expressions idiomatiques

"鼻で笑う"

— To snort with contempt or laugh scornfully.

私の夢を彼は鼻で笑った。

Informal

"白眼視する"

— To look coldly at someone; to treat with contempt.

彼は裏切り者として白眼視された。

Formal

"目もくれない"

— To not even give a glance (out of lack of respect).

彼は私の提案に目もくれなかった。

Neutral

"歯牙にもかけない"

— To ignore completely as unworthy of consideration.

彼は批判を歯牙にもかけなかった。

Formal

"足元を見る"

— To take advantage of someone's weakness (often involves looking down on them).

弱みにつけ込んで足元を見る。

Neutral

"味噌糞に言う"

— To criticize harshly and indiscriminately (treating good and bad as the same).

私の作品を味噌糞に言われた。

Slang/Rough

"屁とも思わない"

— To think of something as utterly worthless (like a fart).

他人の軽蔑など屁とも思わない。

Slang

"顎で使う"

— To boss someone around arrogantly (looking down on them).

彼は部下を顎で使う。

Neutral

"臍で茶を沸かす"

— To be so absurdly funny/pathetic that one's belly button boils tea (mockery).

彼の言い訳は臍で茶を沸かすほどだ。

Idiomatic

"虫唾が走る"

— To be so disgusted/contemptuous that it makes one's skin crawl.

彼の嘘には虫唾が走る。

Neutral

Facile à confondre

軽蔑する vs 軽視する

Both start with 'Kei'.

Keishi means to 'make light of' or 'neglect' (e.g., safety), while Keibetsu is personal scorn.

安全を軽視する。(Neglect safety.)

軽蔑する vs 軽蔑 vs 侮蔑

Both mean scorn.

Bubetsu usually involves an outward insult; Keibetsu can be just an internal feeling.

彼を侮蔑する言葉を吐く。

軽蔑する vs 軽蔑 vs 嫌悪

Both are negative feelings.

Ken'o is disgust/loathing (visceral); Keibetsu is looking down (hierarchical).

虫に嫌悪感を持つ。

軽蔑する vs 軽蔑 vs 蔑ろ

Same kanji '蔑'.

Naigashiro ni suru means to 'ignore' or 'treat as unimportant'.

約束を蔑ろにする。

軽蔑する vs 軽蔑 vs 馬鹿にする

Both look down on someone.

Baka ni suru is mocking/teasing; Keibetsu is cold/serious loss of respect.

人の失敗を馬鹿にする。

Structures de phrases

〜を軽蔑する

泥棒を軽蔑する。

〜から軽蔑される

嘘つきは友人から軽蔑される。

軽蔑に値する

彼の行為は軽蔑に値する。

軽蔑を禁じ得ない

その不当な差別に軽蔑を禁じ得ない。

〜を軽蔑してやまない

独裁者の暴挙を軽蔑してやまない。

軽蔑の眼差し

彼女は軽蔑の眼差しを向けた。

軽蔑したくなる

そんな人、軽蔑したくなるよ。

自己軽蔑に陥る

失敗して自己軽蔑に陥った。

Famille de mots

Noms

軽蔑 (keibetsu - contempt)

軽蔑者 (keibetsusha - despiser)

自己軽蔑 (jiko-keibetsu - self-contempt)

Verbes

軽蔑する (keibetsu suru - to despise)

蔑む (sagesumu - to scorn)

Adjectifs

軽蔑的 (keibetsuteki - contemptuous)

蔑ろ (naigashiro - disdainful/neglectful)

Apparenté

侮辱 (bujoku - insult)

嫌悪 (ken'o - hatred)

無視 (mushi - ignore)

差別 (sabetsu - discrimination)

冷遇 (reiguu - cold treatment)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in literature and media; rare in polite everyday conversation.

Erreurs courantes

ピーマンを軽蔑する。 → ピーマンが嫌いだ。
You can't despise a vegetable morally; use 'dislike' instead.
彼は私に軽蔑した。 → 彼は私を軽蔑した。
The verb 'keibetsu suru' takes the particle 'wo', not 'ni'.
軽蔑な目で見られた。 → 軽蔑の目で見られた。
Use the noun form 'keibetsu' with 'no' to modify another noun.
彼を軽蔑している笑い。 → 彼を軽蔑した笑い。
While 'shite iru' is okay, 'shita' is often used to describe a specific scornful expression.
勉強を軽蔑する。 → 勉強を軽視する。
If you mean 'to not value study,' use 'keishi' (neglect/make light of).

Astuces

Avoid Casual Use

Don't use this for small things like 'I despise this rain.' It makes you sound overly dramatic or strange.

Focus on '蔑'

The kanji 蔑 is the key. It means 'to ignore' or 'to look down'. Practice the stroke order to remember it.

Look for it in Novels

Reading Japanese literature is the best way to see how 'keibetsu' is used to show character dynamics.

Passive Form

Mastering '軽蔑される' is useful for talking about social consequences.

The 'Wa' Factor

Understand that expressing 'keibetsu' is a major breach of social harmony in Japan.

Mikudasu vs Keibetsu

Use 'mikudasu' when someone is being arrogant, and 'keibetsu' when someone is being immoral.

Relationship Warning

In Japanese psychology, 'keibetsu' between partners is a sign that the relationship is ending.

Pitch Accent

Keep the pitch relatively flat with a slight drop after 'be' for a natural sound.

Drama Dialogue

Listen for this word during climactic scenes in TV dramas where a secret is revealed.

Noun Modification

Use '軽蔑の...' to add flavor to your descriptions of people's expressions.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine someone is so 'light' (軽) that they are 'messy/insignificant' (蔑). You blow them away with your scorn.

Association visuelle

Imagine a scale where a person is so light (unimportant) that the scale doesn't even move. You look down on them.

Word Web

Scorn Contempt Moral Judgment Superiority Disdain Unworthy Character Hierarchy

Défi

Try to write three things you despise in a person's character using '〜を軽蔑する'.

Origine du mot

Derived from Middle Chinese roots. The first kanji 軽 (light) suggests that the object is not 'heavy' or important. The second kanji 蔑 (scorn/ignore) comes from a radical meaning 'eye' and a phonetic part suggesting 'small' or 'hidden.'

Sens originel : To look at someone as if they are small or insignificant.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Contexte culturel

Calling someone 'keibetsu-subeki' (despicable) is a very strong insult and can lead to legal issues or deep social enmity.

In English, 'despise' is often used for things like 'I despise broccoli.' In Japanese, never use 'keibetsu' for food.

Natsume Soseki's 'Kokoro' explores themes of self-contempt (jiko-keibetsu). The movie 'Contempt' (Le Mépris) is translated as '軽蔑' in Japan. In anime like 'Death Note', characters often express keibetsu for those they deem 'rotten'.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Discussing Morality

嘘を軽蔑する
裏切りを軽蔑する
卑怯な手を軽蔑する
不誠実な人を軽蔑する

Literature Analysis

主人公の自己軽蔑
社会への軽蔑
軽蔑の眼差し
蔑みの感情

Workplace Conflict

上司を軽蔑する
無責任な同僚を軽蔑する
軽蔑の対象になる
軽蔑される行為

Legal/News

法廷侮辱
国民の軽蔑を買う
軽蔑すべき犯罪
軽蔑の念を禁じ得ない

Relationships

パートナーを軽蔑する
軽蔑が原因で別れる
相互軽蔑の罠
軽蔑を修復する

Amorces de conversation

"あなたが一番軽蔑する行為は何ですか？ (What act do you despise the most?)"

"嘘をつく人を軽蔑しますか？ (Do you despise people who tell lies?)"

"最近、誰かを軽蔑したことがありますか？ (Have you despised someone recently?)"

"「軽蔑」と「嫌い」の違いは何だと思いますか？ (What do you think is the difference between 'scorn' and 'dislike'?)"

"自分を軽蔑してしまったことはありますか？ (Have you ever despised yourself?)"

Sujets d'écriture

今日、誰かの行動を軽蔑してしまった時のことを書いてください。 (Write about a time today when you despised someone's actions.)

なぜ社会は不正を軽蔑するのでしょうか？ (Why does society despise injustice?)

自己軽蔑を乗り越える方法について考えてみましょう。 (Think about ways to overcome self-contempt.)

あなたが尊敬する人と、軽蔑する人の違いは何ですか？ (What is the difference between someone you respect and someone you despise?)

映画や本の中で、軽蔑を感じたシーンについて説明してください。 (Describe a scene in a movie or book where you felt scorn.)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, 'keibetsu suru' is for people or their actions. For food, use 'kirai' (dislike) or 'nigate' (not good with).

It is common in books, movies, and news, but in daily life, people use 'baka ni suru' or 'iya' more often.

Keibetsu is a Sino-Japanese word (formal/clinical), while Sagesumu is a native Japanese word (literary/emotional).

Yes, the term is '自己軽蔑' (jiko-keibetsu). It means feeling worthless or ashamed of your own character.

Yes, telling someone 'I despise you' is extremely harsh. It's usually better to describe the behavior you don't like.

It takes 'wo' (を) for the object of the scorn.

Yes, '軽蔑' (keibetsu) is the noun meaning 'contempt'.

It is '法廷侮辱罪' (houtei bujoku zai), though 'keibetsu' is the underlying feeling.

Yes, if you feel the company's ethics are morally bankrupt, you can say you despise the company.

It is generally considered N2/N3 level in terms of vocabulary, but its nuances are N1.

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