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B1 verb #6,500 가장 일반적인 10분 분량

mépriser

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설명 mépriser in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'mépriser' is a very advanced word that you likely won't use often. However, it is good to recognize it as a much stronger version of 'ne pas aimer' (to not like). Think of it as 'hating something because you think it is bad or not important.' At this stage, you should focus on the basic conjugation: 'Je méprise,' 'Tu méprises.' You can use it for simple things to practice, like 'Je méprise les brocolis' (I despise broccoli), although this is a bit dramatic for a beginner! The most important thing for an A1 learner is to see the word 'prix' (price) hidden inside it. This helps you remember that it means you think something has 'no price' or 'no value.' You might see it in simple stories where a 'méchant' (bad guy) is 'méprisant' (mean/scornful) to a hero. Just remember: it's a regular verb, so it works like 'parler' or 'manger.' If you can say 'Je mange,' you can say 'Je méprise.'
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For A2 learners, you can start to use 'mépriser' to express stronger opinions. Instead of just saying 'Je n'aime pas le mensonge' (I don't like lying), you can say 'Je méprise le mensonge.' This makes your French sound more expressive and sophisticated. You should also learn the noun form, 'le mépris' (contempt). You might hear this in songs or see it in movie titles. At this level, you should also be careful with the pronunciation. The 'é' is sharp like in 'été,' and the 's' sounds like a 'z' because it is between two vowels. You can use it to describe people's attitudes: 'Il est très méprisant avec les serveurs' (He is very scornful with waiters). This level is about moving from simple likes/dislikes to more nuanced social judgments. You should also recognize the past participle 'méprisé' used as an adjective, as in 'Il se sent méprisé' (He feels despised).
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At the B1 level, you are expected to understand the nuance between 'mépriser' and 'détester.' While 'détester' is an emotional reaction, 'mépriser' is a judgment of value. You should be able to use it in discussions about social issues or personal values. For example, 'Il méprise ceux qui ne travaillent pas' (He despises those who don't work). You should also learn the common phrase 'mépriser le danger,' which means to be brave or reckless. This is a very common idiomatic use. You should be comfortable conjugating it in the 'passé composé' (j'ai méprisé), the 'imparfait' (je méprisais), and the 'futur simple' (je mépriserai). You are also starting to see it in more formal texts, such as newspaper articles or blogs, where it describes political contempt. It's a key word for expressing conviction and moral standing in French conversations.
B2 learners should master the different registers of 'mépriser.' You should know that it is a 'standard' to 'formal' word. You should also be able to use the reflexive form 'se mépriser' to discuss psychology or character development. For instance, 'Après avoir trahi son ami, il a commencé à se mépriser.' You should also be aware of the adjective 'méprisable' (despicable) and use it to describe actions or behaviors in a debate. At this level, you can use 'mépriser' to describe a person's intellectual stance, like 'mépriser les conventions sociales' (to scorn social conventions). You should also be able to identify synonyms like 'dédaigner' and understand that 'dédaigner' is slightly more formal and implies a 'lofty' rejection. You can use 'mépriser' in complex sentences with relative pronouns: 'C'est un homme que je méprise pour son arrogance.' Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's weight.
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At the C1 level, you should use 'mépriser' with precision in academic or professional contexts. You should understand its philosophical implications—for example, how a Stoic might 'mépriser la douleur' (scorn pain). You should be able to discuss the 'mépris de classe' (class contempt) in French society, a common sociological concept. You should also be familiar with literary uses and how the word functions in classic French theater, where 'le mépris' is often a central conflict between characters. You can use the noun 'mépris' in various prepositional phrases like 'avec mépris' or 'au mépris de' (in defiance of). For example, 'Il a agi au mépris de toutes les règles' (He acted in defiance of all the rules). Your ability to use the word in the 'subjonctif' or 'conditionnel' should be flawless: 'Il est regrettable qu'il méprise autant ses collègues.'
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For C2 speakers, 'mépriser' is a tool for subtle rhetorical coloring. You understand that 'le mépris' can be a form of silence or a specific look, not just a verbalized feeling. You can analyze the use of 'mépris' in the works of authors like Proust or Camus, where it often signifies a deep existential or social gap. You should be able to use the verb in highly formal settings, perhaps substituting it with even more specific terms like 'vilipender' or 'honnir' when the situation calls for a specific historical or literary flavor. You also understand the paradoxical uses, such as 'le mépris souverain' (supreme contempt), which implies a contempt so total it becomes a form of power. You can navigate the fine line between 'le mépris' as an insult and 'le mépris' as a philosophical virtue (the rejection of worldly vanity). Your use of the word is not just about vocabulary, but about mastering the cultural and intellectual history that the word carries in the French language.
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mépriser 30초 만에

  • Mépriser means to despise or look down on something as worthless.
  • It is a regular -er verb used in both literal and figurative contexts.
  • Commonly used to describe moral judgments or a disregard for danger.
  • The noun form is 'le mépris' and the adjective is 'méprisant'.

The French verb mépriser is a powerful and evocative term that translates most directly to 'to despise,' 'to scorn,' or 'to look down upon.' Unlike simple dislike or hatred, mépriser implies a hierarchical judgment. When you méprise someone or something, you are not just expressing an emotional aversion; you are asserting that the object of your contempt is beneath you, unworthy of respect, or fundamentally insignificant. It is a word rooted in the concept of value—or rather, the total lack thereof. In the social fabric of French communication, using this word carries significant weight because it signals a deep-seated rejection of the other's dignity or worth.

Core Nuance
The essence of mépriser lies in the absence of 'prix' (price/value). To méprise is to literally 'un-value' someone. It is the opposite of estimer (to estimate/value).
Social Context
In French culture, which often values intellectual rigor and social standing, le mépris (the noun form) is a common theme in literature and political discourse. It describes the attitude of the elite toward the masses, or the intellectual toward the unrefined.

You will encounter this word in a variety of contexts, ranging from intense personal conflicts to abstract philosophical discussions. For instance, one might mépriser a person for their lack of ethics, but one can also mépriser the danger (meaning to ignore it or treat it as if it cannot harm you). This secondary usage—ignoring something because you consider it unimportant—is a vital distinction for intermediate learners. It suggests a certain bravery or recklessness, depending on the context.

« Il est impossible de discuter avec quelqu'un qui vous méprise déjà. »

— A common sentiment regarding the impossibility of dialogue in the face of contempt.

Furthermore, the verb is used in the reflexive form, se mépriser, to describe self-loathing or a lack of self-respect. If someone says, 'Je me méprise d'avoir agi ainsi,' they are expressing a profound disappointment in their own character, suggesting they have fallen below their own standards of conduct. This internal application of the word highlights its moral dimension; it is not just about how we see others, but how we evaluate the human soul.

Common Objects of Contempt
Commonly, people méprise: le mensonge (lies), la lâcheté (cowardice), l'argent (money, in a philosophical sense), and les conventions (social norms).

« Elle méprise ouvertement les règles de la société. »

In summary, mépriser is a verb of judgment. It is used when there is a perceived gap in quality, morality, or importance. It is far more intellectualized than 'détester' (to hate) and carries a coldness that 'haïr' (to loathe) sometimes lacks. While 'haïr' is a hot, passionate emotion, 'mépriser' is often a cold, calculated dismissal.

Using mépriser correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical structure and its emotional intensity. As a regular -er verb, it follows standard conjugation patterns, making it technically easy to use, but its semantic weight requires caution. It is a direct transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object without a preposition. You méprise someone or something directly.

« Le général méprisait la mort, avançant sans peur sur le champ de bataille. »

Translation: The general despised (disregarded) death, advancing without fear on the battlefield.
Direct Object Usage
Structure: [Sujet] + [mépriser] + [Nom]. Example: 'Il méprise ses adversaires.' (He despises his opponents). There is no 'de' or 'à' between the verb and the object.
Reflexive Usage
Structure: [Sujet] + [se mépriser]. Example: 'À force de mentir, il finit par se mépriser.' (By lying so much, he ended up despising himself).

One of the most interesting ways to use mépriser is in the passive voice or as a past participle acting as an adjective. 'Un regard méprisant' (a scornful look) or 'se sentir méprisé' (to feel despised) are common expressions. Note the difference between the adjective méprisant (the person who feels contempt) and méprisable (the person who deserves contempt).

In formal writing, mépriser is often used to describe a philosophical stance. For example, a stoic philosopher might mépriser les biens matériels (scorn material goods). Here, the word doesn't mean the philosopher hates his bed or his shoes, but rather that he considers them irrelevant to his true happiness. This usage is very common in classical French literature (like the works of Molière or Racine).

« Ne méprisez pas les petits efforts; ils mènent aux grands succès. »

When using it in conversation, be aware that calling someone 'méprisable' (despicable) is a very strong insult. It is much more serious than calling someone 'méchant' (mean). It implies they are so low that they aren't even worth being angry at. This 'cold' nature of the verb is what makes it so sharp in French debate.

Common Adverb Pairings
Often paired with: ouvertement (openly), profondément (deeply), souverainement (supremely/utterly).

You will encounter mépriser in several specific domains of French life. It is not a slang word, but it is frequently used in daily life when discussing politics, ethics, or interpersonal drama. If you watch French news channels like BFM TV or France 24, you will hear political analysts accuse leaders of mépriser le peuple (despising the people) or mépriser les institutions.

« Les manifestants reprochent au gouvernement de mépriser leurs revendications. »

Context: A typical news report about social unrest.
Cinema and Arts
One of the most famous examples in French culture is Jean-Luc Godard's film 'Le Mépris' (Contempt). The entire movie explores the breakdown of a marriage based on the wife's growing contempt for her husband. The word here signifies the death of love.
Literature
In 19th-century novels (Balzac, Hugo, Flaubert), mépriser is used to describe the rigid class boundaries of the time. Aristocrats often méprisent the 'nouveaux riches' or the bourgeoisie.

In everyday conversation, you might hear a friend say, 'Je méprise ce genre de comportement,' when talking about someone who cheated or lied. It's a way of saying, 'I find that behavior beneath me and unworthy of my time.' It is also used in sports to describe an athlete who 'despises the obstacles' or 'disregards the pain' to reach the finish line.

Interestingly, the word is also appearing more in corporate environments. Employees might feel méprisés by their management if they aren't listened to. This 'mépris managérial' is a common topic in French HR discussions and union strikes. It conveys a sense of being treated as a mere tool rather than a human being.

« Il ne faut jamais mépriser l'avis de ses collaborateurs. »

Finally, in the world of high fashion or gastronomy, you might hear experts mépriser certain trends. A chef might mépriser fast food, or a designer might mépriser 'fast fashion.' In these cases, the word highlights a commitment to quality and a rejection of anything perceived as cheap or soulless.

While mépriser is a straightforward verb, English speakers often make nuanced errors in its application. The most common mistake is confusing it with détester (to hate) or haïr (to loathe). While they all express negative feelings, mépriser is about a lack of respect, not necessarily an abundance of anger. You can hate someone you respect, but you cannot méprise someone you respect.

Mistake 1: Adding Prepositions
Learners often try to say 'mépriser de' or 'mépriser pour.' This is incorrect. It is always mépriser [direct object]. Incorrect: 'Il méprise de son frère.' Correct: 'Il méprise son frère.'
Mistake 2: Confusing méprisant and méprisable
These two adjectives are often swapped. Méprisant means 'scornful' (the person showing contempt). Méprisable means 'despicable' (the person who is hated). If you say 'Je suis méprisant,' you are saying you are a snob. If you say 'Je suis méprisable,' you are saying you are a terrible person.

Another common error is using mépriser when you simply mean 'to ignore' in a neutral sense. If you ignore a phone call, you don't méprise it; you ignore it or ne réponds pas. You only use mépriser for 'ignoring' when there is a sense of defiance or superiority, such as mépriser le danger.

« Attention : ne confondez pas mépriser (contempt) avec méprendre (to mistake). »

'Se méprendre' means to be mistaken, which sounds similar but has a totally different meaning.

Lastly, be careful with the register. Mépriser is a relatively formal or literary word. In very casual slang, a younger person might use 'calculer' in the negative to mean they are ignoring someone they don't like ('Je le calcule même pas'), but mépriser remains the standard way to express deep, judgmental contempt in any serious discussion.

Spelling Note
Don't forget the acute accent on the 'é'. Without it, the word is misspelled and changes the pronunciation of the first syllable.

To truly master mépriser, you should understand how it fits into the broader spectrum of French verbs expressing dislike and rejection. Depending on the intensity and the context, you might choose a different word to be more precise.

Dédaigner
Comparison: Very close to mépriser, but slightly more 'snobbish' or 'lofty.' It implies looking down from a position of perceived superiority. 'Il dédaigne les plaisirs simples.'
Honnir
Comparison: A very strong, old-fashioned word meaning to denounce or cover with shame. You mostly see this in the famous motto: 'Honi soit qui mal y pense.'
Vilipender
Comparison: This means to criticize someone harshly or to treat them as worthless in a public way. It is more about the act of speaking poorly of someone.

If you want to express a milder form of contempt, you might use sous-estimer (to underestimate). While mépriser says 'you are worthless,' sous-estimer says 'I didn't realize how much you were worth.' In a professional setting, négliger (to neglect) is often used when someone ignores their duties, which can be a form of mépris for their responsibilities.

« Il y a une grande différence entre détester un ennemi et le mépriser. »

For more poetic or intense literature, you might encounter exécrer or abhorrer. These words are even stronger than mépriser and imply a visceral, physical disgust. However, mépriser remains unique because of its connection to 'value.' It is the ultimate word for social or intellectual dismissal.

Antonyms
The direct opposites are estimer (to value), admirer (to admire), and respecter (to respect).

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The root 'pretiare' is the same as for the English word 'praise.' So, 'mépriser' is literally the 'anti-praise.'

발음 가이드

UK /me.pʁi.ze/
US /meɪ.pri.zeɪ/
In French, the stress is generally equal across syllables, with a slight emphasis on the final syllable 'ze'.
라임이 맞는 단어
briser viser maîtriser diviser préciser autoriser réaliser utiliser
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing the 's' as 'ss' instead of 'z'.
  • Pronouncing the final 'r' (it should be silent).
  • Making the 'é' sound like 'eh' instead of 'ay'.
  • Aspirating the 'p' too heavily.
  • Failing to pronounce the French 'r' correctly in the middle.

난이도

독해 3/5

Easy to recognize in texts due to its consistent spelling.

쓰기 4/5

Requires knowledge of -er verb endings and correct accent usage.

말하기 4/5

The 'r' and the voiced 'z' sound can be tricky for English speakers.

듣기 3/5

Clear pronunciation, but can be confused with 'maîtriser'.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

le prix aimer détester respecter valeur

다음에 배울 것

dédaigner vilipender estimer condescendance arrogance

고급

honnir exécrer abhorrer déprécier indifférence

알아야 할 문법

Regular -er verb conjugation

Nous méprisons, vous méprisez.

Direct Transitive Verbs

Il méprise [son ennemi] (No preposition).

Reflexive Pronouns

Je me méprise, tu te méprises.

Past Participle as Adjective

Un homme méprisé.

Subjunctive after 'regrettable que'

Il est regrettable qu'il méprise la loi.

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수준별 예문

1

Je méprise le mensonge.

I despise lies.

Direct object 'le mensonge'.

2

Il méprise cet homme.

He despises this man.

Regular -er verb conjugation.

3

Tu méprises le froid ?

Do you despise the cold?

Question form using intonation.

4

Nous méprisons la guerre.

We despise war.

First person plural -ons ending.

5

Elle méprise les légumes.

She despises vegetables.

Third person singular -e ending.

6

Vous méprisez le bruit.

You despise the noise.

Second person plural -ez ending.

7

Ils méprisent le danger.

They despise (disregard) danger.

Third person plural -ent ending.

8

On méprise la triche.

One despises cheating.

'On' takes the same form as 'il/elle'.

1

Il a méprisé mon aide.

He despised (rejected) my help.

Passé composé with 'avoir'.

2

Elle est très méprisante.

She is very scornful.

Adjective 'méprisante' (feminine).

3

Je ne méprise personne.

I despise no one.

Negation 'ne... personne'.

4

Pourquoi méprises-tu son travail ?

Why do you despise his work?

Inversion in a question.

5

Ils méprisaient les règles.

They used to despise the rules.

Imparfait for habitual action.

6

C'est un acte méprisable.

It is a despicable act.

Adjective 'méprisable'.

7

Elle se méprise parfois.

She despises herself sometimes.

Reflexive verb 'se mépriser'.

8

Nous ne devons pas mépriser les pauvres.

We must not despise the poor.

Infinitive after 'devoir'.

1

Il méprise ouvertement ses rivaux politiques.

He openly despises his political rivals.

Adverb 'ouvertement' follows the verb.

2

Elle méprisera toujours la lâcheté.

She will always despise cowardice.

Futur simple tense.

3

Si tu mentais, je te mépriserais.

If you lied, I would despise you.

Conditionnel présent after 'si' clause.

4

Il a agi au mépris de ma sécurité.

He acted in defiance of my safety.

Noun phrase 'au mépris de'.

5

Je méprise le fait qu'il ne s'excuse jamais.

I despise the fact that he never apologizes.

Using 'le fait que'.

6

C'est une attitude que nous méprisons tous.

It's an attitude that we all despise.

Relative clause with 'que'.

7

Il s'est senti méprisé par son patron.

He felt despised by his boss.

Passive sense with 'se sentir' + past participle.

8

Ne méprise pas tes propres talents.

Do not despise your own talents.

Imperative negative.

1

Son mépris pour les conventions est légendaire.

His contempt for conventions is legendary.

Noun 'mépris' with preposition 'pour'.

2

Bien qu'il soit riche, il ne méprise pas les ouvriers.

Although he is rich, he doesn't despise the workers.

Subjunctive 'soit' after 'bien que'.

3

Elle a fini par se mépriser à cause de son silence.

She ended up despising herself because of her silence.

Reflexive 'se mépriser' in the infinitive.

4

Il méprise la mort au point de risquer sa vie pour rien.

He disregards death to the point of risking his life for nothing.

Idiomatic 'mépriser la mort'.

5

On ne peut que mépriser une telle trahison.

One can only despise such a betrayal.

'Ne... que' meaning 'only'.

6

Il regarde tout le monde d'un air méprisant.

He looks at everyone with a scornful air.

Adjective 'méprisant' modifying 'air'.

7

Ceux qui méprisent l'éducation sont souvent les plus ignorants.

Those who despise education are often the most ignorant.

Relative pronoun 'ceux qui'.

8

Je ne voudrais pas que tu te sentes méprisé.

I wouldn't want you to feel despised.

Subjunctive 'te sentes' after 'vouloir que'.

1

Le poète méprisait les honneurs mondains.

The poet despised worldly honors.

Imparfait for state of mind.

2

Il a agi au mépris des conventions sociales les plus élémentaires.

He acted in defiance of the most basic social conventions.

Complex noun phrase.

3

Cette politique méprise les droits fondamentaux des citoyens.

This policy disregards the fundamental rights of citizens.

Abstract subject.

4

Rien n'est plus méprisable que de profiter de la faiblesse d'autrui.

Nothing is more despicable than taking advantage of others' weakness.

Comparative 'plus... que'.

5

Il affiche un mépris souverain pour toute forme d'autorité.

He displays supreme contempt for any form of authority.

Fixed expression 'mépris souverain'.

6

Elle méprise la facilité et cherche toujours le défi.

She despises ease and always seeks a challenge.

Abstract object 'la facilité'.

7

Le mépris est souvent le masque de l'insécurité.

Contempt is often the mask of insecurity.

Noun usage as a subject.

8

Il a été méprisé par ses pairs tout au long de sa carrière.

He was despised by his peers throughout his career.

Passive voice 'a été méprisé'.

1

L'œuvre de Godard explore la genèse du mépris au sein du couple.

Godard's work explores the genesis of contempt within a couple.

Formal literary analysis context.

2

Il est vain de mépriser ce que l'on ne saurait comprendre.

It is futile to despise what one cannot understand.

Use of 'saurait' as a formal 'cannot'.

3

Le mépris de classe demeure un ressort puissant de la hiérarchie sociale.

Class contempt remains a powerful driver of social hierarchy.

Sociological terminology.

4

Elle méprisait les artifices de la rhétorique pour ne s'attacher qu'aux faits.

She despised the artifices of rhetoric to focus only on facts.

Literary 'ne... que' construction.

5

Au mépris de toute prudence, il s'élança dans l'inconnu.

In defiance of all caution, he plunged into the unknown.

Inversion/literary style.

6

Le stoïcisme enseigne à mépriser les vicissitudes de la fortune.

Stoicism teaches to despise (be indifferent to) the vicissitudes of fortune.

Philosophical context.

7

Son silence était plus méprisant que n'importe quelle insulte.

His silence was more scornful than any insult.

Comparative structure.

8

On ne saurait mépriser impunément les lois de la nature.

One cannot disregard the laws of nature with impunity.

High-level formal structure.

자주 쓰는 조합

mépriser le danger
mépriser les richesses
se sentir méprisé
un regard méprisant
mépriser ouvertement
au mépris de la loi
mépriser la mort
un acte méprisable
mépriser les conventions
souverainement mépriser

자주 쓰는 구문

battre froid par mépris

— To give someone the cold shoulder out of contempt.

Elle lui bat froid par mépris depuis leur dispute.

faire fi de

— A common alternative meaning to disregard or scorn.

Il fait fi des critiques.

traiter par le mépris

— To respond to something by ignoring it contemptuously.

La meilleure réponse à une insulte est de la traiter par le mépris.

tomber dans le mépris

— To lose all respect from others.

Après ce scandale, il est tombé dans le mépris public.

un mépris souverain

— Absolute and total contempt.

Il affiche un mépris souverain pour ses adversaires.

au mépris du bon sens

— Acting in a way that ignores common sense.

Cette décision a été prise au mépris du bon sens.

un silence méprisant

— A silence that shows you don't care enough to reply.

Il a répondu par un silence méprisant.

se mépriser soi-même

— To have no self-respect.

À force de mentir, il a fini par se mépriser soi-même.

mépriser l'argent

— To consider money unimportant or corrupting.

Il prétend mépriser l'argent, mais il en demande toujours.

un air de mépris

— A look of contempt on one's face.

Elle le regarda avec un air de mépris.

자주 혼동되는 단어

mépriser vs méprendre

'Se méprendre' means to be mistaken. It sounds similar but has no relation to contempt.

mépriser vs maîtriser

Means to master a skill. Phonetically similar but completely different meaning.

mépriser vs ignorer

Means to not know or to ignore. Mépriser is more active and judgmental.

관용어 및 표현

"regarder de haut"

— To look down on someone, physically and metaphorically.

Il regarde tout le monde de haut.

Informal
"tourner en dérision"

— To mock something to show it is worthless.

Ils tournent ses idées en dérision.

Neutral
"ne pas en mener large"

— Sometimes used when someone *claims* to méprise danger but is actually scared.

Il méprise le danger, mais il n'en mène pas large face au lion.

Informal
"cracher au bassinet"

— To pay reluctantly, often showing contempt for the payment.

Il a dû cracher au bassinet au mépris de ses principes.

Slang
"avoir le nez en l'air"

— To be snobbish or contemptuous of others.

Elle marche toujours le nez en l'air.

Neutral
"prendre de haut"

— To treat someone with condescension.

Ne me prends pas de haut !

Neutral
"laisser sur le carreau"

— To abandon someone, showing a contemptuous lack of care.

Ils ont laissé leurs alliés sur le carreau.

Informal
"faire la fine bouche"

— To be picky or scornful of what is offered.

Il fait la fine bouche devant ce repas gratuit.

Informal
"traiter comme un moins-que-rien"

— To treat someone as a 'less-than-nothing'.

Son patron le traite comme un moins-que-rien.

Informal
"péter plus haut que son cul"

— To be extremely arrogant and contemptuous of others.

Celui-là, il pète plus haut que son cul.

Vulgar

혼동하기 쉬운

mépriser vs détester

Both are negative verbs.

Détester is emotional hate; mépriser is a judgment of worthlessness.

Je déteste la soupe, mais je méprise les menteurs.

mépriser vs dédaigner

Very close synonyms.

Dédaigner is more about snobbery or rejection of something offered.

Il dédaigne de nous répondre.

mépriser vs méprisant

Adjective form.

Méprisant is the person showing contempt.

Il a un air méprisant.

mépriser vs méprisable

Adjective form.

Méprisable is the person or thing that is worthy of contempt.

C'est un comportement méprisable.

mépriser vs haïr

Both express strong dislike.

Haïr is passionate and violent; mépriser is often cold and detached.

Il hait son assassin, mais il méprise son complice.

문장 패턴

A1

Je méprise [nom].

Je méprise le mensonge.

A2

Il est [adjectif].

Il est très méprisant.

B1

Au mépris de [nom].

Au mépris du danger.

B2

Se sentir [participe passé].

Elle se sent méprisée.

C1

Mépriser le fait que [subjonctif/indicatif].

Je méprise le fait qu'il mente.

C2

On ne saurait mépriser [nom].

On ne saurait mépriser les lois.

B1

[Sujet] méprise ouvertement [objet].

Le chef méprise ouvertement ses employés.

B2

C'est un acte méprisable de [infinitif].

C'est un acte méprisable de trahir un ami.

어휘 가족

명사

le mépris (contempt)
le méprisant (the scornful person)
la méprisabilité (despicableness - rare)

동사

mépriser (to despise)
se mépriser (to despise oneself)

형용사

méprisant (scornful/showing contempt)
méprisable (despicable/worthy of contempt)
méprisé (despised)

관련

le prix (price/value)
apprécier (to appreciate)
déprécier (to depreciate)
estimer (to estimate/value)
méprendre (to mistake - related phonetically)
무료 가입하고 모든 예문 보기

사용법

frequency

Common in news, literature, and serious conversation.

자주 하는 실수
  • Using 'mépriser de'. → mépriser [direct object].

    Mépriser is a direct transitive verb. You don't need a preposition. 'Il méprise son frère' is correct.

  • Confusing 'méprisant' and 'méprisable'. → Use 'méprisant' for the attitude, 'méprisable' for the person.

    If you say 'Je suis méprisant,' you mean you are acting snobbish. If you say 'Je suis méprisable,' you mean you are a bad person.

  • Pronouncing the 's' as 'ss'. → Pronounce it like a 'z'.

    In French, a single 's' between two vowels is pronounced like a 'z'.

  • Using 'mépriser' for 'to ignore' a phone call. → ignorer or ne pas répondre.

    Mépriser implies contempt. You don't 'méprise' a phone call unless you are making a point of its worthlessness.

  • Forgetting the accent on the 'é'. → mépriser.

    Without the accent, the pronunciation of the first syllable changes and it is spelled incorrectly.

팁

The No-Price Rule

Remember that 'mépriser' contains the word 'prix' (price). If you méprise someone, you think they have no price or value. They are worthless in your eyes.

Direct Action

Don't put any small words between 'mépriser' and the person you are talking about. It's 'Il méprise Paul,' not 'Il méprise de Paul.'

The Voiced Z

Be sure to make a 'Z' sound for the 's'. If you say 'mé-pri-ser' with an 'S' sound, it sounds like you are saying 'mé-prier' (bad praying), which isn't a word!

Contempt vs Hate

Use 'détester' for things that make you angry. Use 'mépriser' for things that you think are beneath you. Contempt is a cold feeling.

Danger Zone

Learn the phrase 'mépriser le danger.' It's a very common way to describe bravery in French literature and news.

Adjective Choice

If you are the one feeling contempt, you are 'méprisant.' If everyone hates you because you are bad, you are 'méprisable.'

Caution with Insults

Calling someone 'méprisable' is one of the strongest insults in French. It's much worse than 'méchant' or 'idiot.'

Listen for 'é'

The first syllable is 'mé' (may). Make sure you don't pronounce it as 'me' (muh) like in 'regarder.' The accent changes the sound completely.

Self-Contempt

Use 'se mépriser' in your writing to show a character's internal struggle. It's a very dramatic and effective verb for stories.

Formal Swap

In a very formal essay, try using 'dédaigner' instead of 'mépriser' to sound even more sophisticated.

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'Me-Price.' I give this person a 'Me-Price' of zero because I méprise them. They have no price/value to me.

시각적 연상

Imagine someone looking down from a high balcony at a tiny, insignificant ant. That look is 'le mépris.'

Word Web

mépris valeur prix dédaigner supériorité jugement insulte respect

챌린지

Try to use 'mépriser' and 'mépris' in the same sentence. For example: 'Il a un tel mépris pour les autres qu'il finit par mépriser ses propres amis.'

어원

Derived from the Old French 'mesprisier,' which combines the prefix 'mes-' (expressing error or badness) and 'prisier' (to prize or value).

원래 의미: To value incorrectly or to de-value.

Romance (Latin roots: 'minus' + 'pretiare').

문화적 맥락

Calling someone 'méprisable' is a very heavy insult in French. Use it with extreme caution in social settings.

English speakers often use 'despise' for food or small things. French speakers use 'mépriser' for more serious moral or social judgments.

Le Mépris (1963 film by Jean-Luc Godard) Honi soit qui mal y pense (The motto of the Order of the Garter) Various works by Molière where characters 'méprisent' social climbers.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Social Situations

  • Un regard méprisant
  • Se sentir méprisé
  • Traiter par le mépris
  • Afficher son mépris

Politics/News

  • Mépris de classe
  • Mépris des institutions
  • Mépris du peuple
  • Au mépris des lois

Ethics/Values

  • Mépriser le mensonge
  • Mépriser la lâcheté
  • Mépriser l'argent
  • Mépriser la facilité

Bravery/Risk

  • Mépriser le danger
  • Mépriser la mort
  • Mépriser la douleur
  • Mépriser les obstacles

Literature/Art

  • Le mépris souverain
  • Mépriser les conventions
  • Un acte méprisable
  • Une œuvre méprisée

대화 시작하기

"Penses-tu qu'il est possible d'aimer quelqu'un qu'on méprise ?"

"Quelles sont les qualités que tu respectes le plus et les défauts que tu méprises ?"

"As-tu déjà ressenti du mépris pour une décision politique ?"

"Est-ce que tu méprises le danger quand tu fais du sport ?"

"Peut-on traiter une insulte par le mépris sans paraître arrogant ?"

일기 주제

Décris une situation où tu t'es senti méprisé et comment tu as réagi.

Y a-t-il des comportements que tu méprises profondément ? Pourquoi ?

Réflexion sur le film 'Le Mépris' ou sur le concept de mépris dans une relation.

Comment peut-on transformer le mépris en respect dans une discussion ?

Est-ce que mépriser les richesses est une forme de liberté ?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Yes, it is very common, especially when people discuss politics or personal values. It's not too formal for everyday use, but it is a strong word.

You can, but it sounds very dramatic. It's better to use 'Je déteste' or 'Je n'aime pas du tout.' Using 'mépriser' implies the food is morally or qualitatively offensive.

'La haine' is hate, which is an active, hot emotion. 'Le mépris' is contempt, which is a cold judgment that someone is beneath you.

It's a regular -er verb: je méprise, tu méprises, il méprise, nous méprisons, vous méprisez, ils méprisent.

Yes, 'se mépriser' means to despise oneself or to have no self-respect.

It means to disregard danger, to act as if the danger is not important or cannot stop you. It's often used for heroes or reckless people.

Neither! It is a direct transitive verb. You say 'mépriser quelqu'un' or 'mépriser quelque chose' directly.

Yes, you can méprise abstract concepts like 'l'argent' (money) or 'les conventions' (norms).

The adjective is 'méprisé' (e). For example: 'Un artiste méprisé' (A despised artist).

No, they are not related. 'Mépris' comes from 'prisier' (to value), while 'surprise' comes from 'prendre' (to take).

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셀프 테스트 180 질문

writing

Translate to French: 'I despise lies.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to French: 'He despises the danger.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to French: 'They despise the rules.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to French: 'It is a despicable act.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to French: 'She has a scornful look.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using 'se mépriser'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to French: 'We despise traitors.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write the present tense conjugation for 'vous'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'He acted in defiance of the law.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'I don't despise anyone.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'Do you despise money?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write the passé composé of 'mépriser' for 'je'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'A despised artist.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'She openly despises her rivals.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'Don't despise your talents.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'He is a scornful man.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'They will despise us.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'I would despise you if you did that.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'Contempt is a bad feeling.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'She disregards pain.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Pronounce 'mépriser'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Pronounce 'le mépris'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Pronounce 'méprisant'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Pronounce 'méprisable'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Je méprise le mensonge.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Il méprise le danger.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Nous méprisons la guerre.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Elle a un air méprisant.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'C'est méprisable.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Ne me méprise pas.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Ils se méprisent.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Au mépris de la loi.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Un mépris souverain.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Je méprise ouvertement mes ennemis.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Elle méprise le luxe.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Vous méprisez mon travail.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Ils méprisent les règles.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Il a été méprisé.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Un silence méprisant.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Méprises-tu l'argent ?'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Je méprise le mensonge.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Il méprise le danger.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Elle est méprisante.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'C'est méprisable.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Nous méprisons la guerre.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Ils se méprisent.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Un regard méprisant.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Au mépris de la loi.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Il a méprisé mon aide.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Vous méprisez les règles.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Elle méprise le luxe.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Un mépris souverain.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Ne me méprise pas.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Ils méprisent le travail.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Je méprise ouvertement.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a short paragraph about why someone might 'mépriser' dishonesty.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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