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B1 verb #7,000 most common 10 min read

漠视

moshi Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 漠视 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 漠视 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '漠视' (mòshì) is a very advanced word that you probably won't use yet. However, you can think of it as a much stronger way of saying 'not looking' or 'not listening.' At this stage, you usually learn simple words like '不看' (bù kàn - don't look) or '不听' (bù tīng - don't listen). Imagine someone is talking to you, but you look away and pretend they aren't there. That 'cold' feeling of ignoring someone is what '漠视' describes. Even though it's a big word, the idea is simple: it's when you choose to be like a 'desert' (漠) and show no feelings or care when you 'see' (视) something. You might hear it in very serious stories, but for now, just remember it means a very cold 'no care.'

As an A2 learner, you are starting to express feelings and basic opinions. '漠视' (mòshì) is a word that describes a very specific, negative feeling: indifference. While you might know '不理' (bù lǐ), which means 'to ignore' someone in a casual way (like when you are mad at a friend), '漠视' is more formal. It's often used when talking about someone who should care but doesn't. For example, if a teacher doesn't care about a student's problems, that is '漠视.' The character '漠' comes from 'desert,' which is dry and has no life. So, '漠视' is like having a heart that is dry like a desert toward someone else's needs. You will see this word in short news clips or more serious reading passages.

At the B1 level, you should begin to use '漠视' (mòshì) to discuss social issues or more complex personal relationships. This is the level where you distinguish between '忽视' (hūshì - to neglect/overlook) and '漠视' (to disregard/treat with indifference). '忽视' is often an accident—you were busy and forgot. '漠视' is a choice—you knew about the problem, but you didn't think it was important enough to care about. For example, '漠视规则' (mòshì guīzé) means someone knows the rules but chooses to ignore them. In your writing, you can use it to describe people who are cold-hearted or systems that don't help people. It is a transitive verb, so you can put the object right after it. It makes your Chinese sound much more mature and precise.

For B2 learners, '漠视' (mòshì) is an essential part of your formal vocabulary. You should be able to use it fluently in essays and debates, particularly when discussing ethics, law, and social responsibility. At this level, you should understand its nuance as 'willful disregard.' It's not just about not caring; it's about a failure of duty. For instance, '漠视人权' (disregard for human rights) or '漠视生命' (disregard for life) are powerful phrases used in political and philosophical discussions. You should also recognize the noun form: '对...的漠视' (disregard for...). This structure is very common in formal Chinese. You should also be able to distinguish it from '无视' (to ignore/treat as invisible), noting that '漠视' emphasizes the cold attitude and lack of concern rather than just the act of looking away.

At the C1 level, '漠视' (mòshì) should be a word you can use with stylistic flair. You understand that it carries a heavy moral weight and can be used to critique modern society's apathy. You might use it to describe 'urban indifference' or the way modern technology can lead us to '漠视' the real people around us. You should also be familiar with its use in classical-style modern prose, where it might be paired with other sophisticated terms like '纵容' (zòngróng - to connive/tolerate) or '凌驾' (língjià - to place oneself above). At this stage, you are expected to understand the psychological depth of the word—how it represents a defense mechanism or a manifestation of power. You can use it to analyze characters in literature who use indifference as a weapon or a shield.

For C2 learners, '漠视' (mòshì) is a tool for precise philosophical and social deconstruction. You can explore the etymological roots of '漠' (vastness, silence, desert) to explain the word's evocative power in modern literature. You can use it in high-level legal arguments or policy critiques to describe 'systemic indifference' or 'institutional disregard.' At this level, you are also aware of how '漠视' contrasts with '空灵' (kōnglíng) or '淡泊' (dànbó)—while those words describe a positive, Zen-like detachment, '漠视' is their negative, cold counterpart. You can use the word to discuss the 'banality of evil' or the silent complicity of a population. Your mastery of '漠视' includes knowing exactly when its use will provide the maximum emotional or critical impact in a piece of sophisticated rhetoric.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

漠视 in 30 Seconds

漠视 (mòshì) means to deliberately ignore or treat something with cold indifference.
It is a formal word often used for serious matters like laws, rights, and feelings.
It differs from '忽视' (accidental neglect) by being intentional and cold.
Commonly used in news, law, and formal writing to critique a lack of concern.

The Chinese word 漠视 (mòshì) is a powerful verb that translates most accurately to 'to deliberately ignore,' 'to treat with indifference,' or 'to disregard.' Unlike a simple mistake or a lapse in memory, 漠视 implies a conscious choice or a deeply ingrained attitude of coldness toward something that actually deserves attention or respect. It is composed of two characters: 漠 (mò), which relates to the desert (indifferent, vast, and cold), and 视 (shì), which means to look or see. When combined, they evoke the image of looking at something as if it were a barren desert—seeing it but finding no value or importance in it. This word is frequently used in formal contexts, such as legal documents, social critiques, and news reports, but it also appears in personal contexts when describing a cold or neglectful relationship.

Intentionality: 漠视 is never an accident. It suggests that the subject is aware of the object's existence but chooses to treat it as irrelevant. For example, if a government 漠视 human rights, it means they are aware of those rights but choose not to protect them.
Emotional Coldness: The '漠' component suggests a lack of warmth. In interpersonal relationships, if one partner 漠视 the other's feelings, it indicates a significant emotional distance and a lack of empathy.
Formal Register: While you might use '不理' (bù lǐ) in a casual argument, 漠视 is the term used in a formal analysis of social problems, such as the public's indifference to environmental issues.

这种对生命的漠视是令人震惊的。(Zhè zhǒng duì shēngmìng de mòshì shì lìngrén zhènjīng de.) - This disregard for life is shocking.

In modern Chinese society, this word often carries a strong moral judgment. To accuse someone of 漠视 is to say they are failing in their duty or lacking in basic human compassion. It is often paired with objects like 法律 (law), 规则 (rules), 权利 (rights), and 感受 (feelings). When you hear this word in a movie or read it in an article, pay attention to the tone—it is almost always negative and serious.

我们不能漠视弱势群体的需求。(Wǒmen bùnéng mòshì ruòshì qúntǐ de xūqiú.) - We cannot ignore the needs of vulnerable groups.

Furthermore, 漠视 describes a state of mind. It is a passive-aggressive form of action. By doing nothing and showing no concern, the person practicing 漠视 is actually making a very loud statement. In literature, it is used to describe the 'bystander effect' or the apathy of a crowd. Understanding 漠视 helps learners grasp the nuances of social responsibility and emotional intelligence in Chinese culture.

Using 漠视 (mòshì) correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a transitive verb. It typically follows the structure: Subject + 漠视 + Object. The object is usually an abstract noun representing something that deserves respect, attention, or compliance. Because it is a formal word, it is rarely used in simple Subject-Verb-Object sentences in casual conversation; instead, it often appears in complex sentences discussing social issues, moral failings, or systemic problems.

Structure: Subject + 漠视 + Abstract Noun: Common objects include 法律 (law), 规则 (rules), 生命 (life), 痛苦 (suffering), and 需求 (needs). Example: '老板漠视员工的福利' (The boss ignores the employees' welfare).
Structure: 对...的漠视 (Noun Phrase): 漠视 can also function as a noun when preceded by '对' (towards) and followed by '的'. Example: '他对规则的漠视导致了事故' (His disregard for the rules led to the accident).

你不能总是漠视我的存在。(Nǐ bùnéng zǒngshì mòshì wǒ de cúnzài.) - You cannot always ignore my existence.

When using 漠视, the subject is often an entity with power or responsibility—like a government, a company, a parent, or a leader. This adds to the gravity of the word. If a child ignores their homework, you would use '不理' or '不去做,' but if a company ignores safety regulations, 漠视 is the appropriate term. It highlights the ethical breach. In writing, you will often find it modified by adverbs like '公然' (openly), '冷酷地' (coldly), or '完全' (completely).

Another common pattern is the use of '被' (bèi) to show that something is being ignored. For instance, '他的建议被漠视了' (His suggestion was ignored). This passive form is very common in administrative or workplace settings where individual voices might feel unheard. By mastering these patterns, you can express complex ideas about social justice and personal relationships with precision.

长期以来，这个地区的贫困问题一直被漠视。(Chángqī yǐlái, zhège dìqū de pínkùn wèntí yìzhí bèi mòshì.) - For a long time, the poverty problem in this region has been ignored.

You will encounter 漠视 (mòshì) in several specific environments, primarily those that involve formal communication or critical discussion. One of the most common places is in news broadcasts and newspapers. When journalists report on corporate scandals, environmental damage, or political corruption, they use 漠视 to describe the lack of concern shown by those in power. For example, a report might say, '该公司漠视环保法规' (The company disregarded environmental protection regulations).

Legal and Official Documents: In legal contexts, 漠视 is used to describe a 'willful disregard' for the law. It is a term used in courtrooms to argue that a defendant didn't just make a mistake but chose to ignore their legal obligations.
Academic and Sociological Writing: Scholars use the term to discuss 'social indifference' (社会漠视). It is a key concept when analyzing why people in big cities might not help a stranger in need, or why certain cultural heritages are allowed to fade away.

这种漠视传统的态度令人担忧。(Zhè zhǒng mòshì chuántǒng de tàidù lìngrén dānyōu.) - This attitude of disregarding tradition is worrying.

In TV dramas and movies, especially those focused on family dynamics or high-stakes business, 漠视 is used to highlight conflict. A protagonist might accuse an antagonist of '漠视他人的痛苦' (ignoring others' pain). This usage helps to paint a character as cold, calculating, or villainous. It is also used in psychological contexts to describe 'emotional neglect' in a parent-child relationship.

Finally, you will hear it in public service announcements (PSAs). For instance, a PSA about road safety might urge people not to '漠视交通规则' (disregard traffic rules). In these cases, the word is used to evoke a sense of duty and caution. By recognizing the word in these varied contexts, you'll see that it's a versatile tool for expressing serious concern about a lack of attention or care.

不要漠视你身体发出的警告信号。(Bùyào mòshì nǐ shēntǐ fāchū de jǐnggào xìnhào.) - Do not ignore the warning signals your body is sending.

Learners of Chinese often struggle with 漠视 (mòshì) because it overlaps with several other words that mean 'to ignore' or 'to neglect.' The most common mistake is using 漠视 when you actually mean 忽视 (hūshì). While both involve not paying attention, 忽视 often implies an accidental oversight or simply not noticing something because you are busy. 漠视, on the other hand, is much colder and more intentional. If you forget to buy milk, you 忽视 the need; if you see your friend crying and walk away without saying anything, you 漠视 their feelings.

Mistake 1: Confusing 漠视 with 忽视 (hūshì): Use 忽视 for 'neglect' or 'overlook' due to carelessness. Use 漠视 for 'disregard' due to coldness or intent. Example: You wouldn't '漠视' a small typo, but you might '忽视' it.
Mistake 2: Confusing 漠视 with 无视 (wúshì): 无视 means 'to act as if something doesn't exist' (to turn a blind eye). While similar, 漠视 focuses more on the *attitude* of indifference, whereas 无视 focuses on the *action* of ignoring.

错误用法：我漠视了我的钥匙。(I '漠视'ed my keys - Incorrect). 正确用法：我忽视了细节。(I overlooked the details - Correct).

Another error is using 漠视 in a positive or neutral context. 漠视 is almost exclusively negative. You cannot '漠视' your problems to make them go away in a healthy sense; that would be '放下' (fàngxià - let go) or '不予理会' (bùyǔ lǐhuì - pay no heed to). Using 漠视 implies a moral or emotional failing. Furthermore, learners sometimes forget that 漠视 is a formal word. Using it in a casual conversation with friends about why you didn't answer a text might sound overly dramatic or 'bookish.' In that case, '没理我' (méi lǐ wǒ) is more natural.

Lastly, pay attention to the object. 漠视 is rarely used with concrete physical objects (like a chair or a car) unless you are speaking metaphorically. You 漠视 the *value* of the car or the *needs* of a person, not the physical person themselves in a literal visual sense (that would be '没看见' or '无视'). Correcting these mistakes will make your Chinese sound much more sophisticated and accurate.

To truly master 漠视 (mòshì), it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and understand the specific register each one occupies. Chinese has a rich vocabulary for the concept of 'ignoring,' and choosing the right one depends on the level of intent and the context of the situation.

忽视 (hūshì) vs. 漠视 (mòshì): 忽视 is 'to neglect' or 'to overlook.' It is often unintentional. 漠视 is 'to disregard' and is always intentional and cold. You 忽视 a minor detail; you 漠视 a cry for help.
无视 (wúshì) vs. 漠视 (mòshì): 无视 is 'to ignore' or 'to treat as non-existent.' It is more active. If someone is shouting at you and you keep walking, you are '无视'ing them. 漠视 is more about the internal attitude of not caring.
忽略 (hūlüè) vs. 漠视 (mòshì): 忽略 is very similar to 忽视 and is often used in technical contexts, like 'ignoring' a variable in a math problem or 'omitting' a step in a process.

比较：他忽视了我的警告（可能没听见）；他漠视了我的警告（听见了但不当回事）。

Other alternatives include 轻视 (qīngshì), which means 'to look down on' or 'to belittle.' While 漠视 is about indifference, 轻视 is about active contempt. There is also 冷落 (lěngluò), which is specifically used for treating a person coldly, often in a social or romantic context. For example, if you don't talk to a guest at a party, you are '冷落'ing them. Finally, 置之不理 (zhì zhī bù lǐ) is a common four-character idiom (chengyu) that means 'to leave something aside and not pay attention to it.' It is a very useful alternative in both writing and speech.

By understanding these distinctions, you can choose the word that perfectly captures the nuance of the situation. Whether you are describing a systemic failure (漠视), a simple mistake (忽视), or a personal snub (冷落), having this range of vocabulary will greatly enhance your expressive power in Chinese.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '漠' contains the water radical (氵) on the left, but it ironically refers to a place with no water (the desert). This highlights the 'emptiness' and 'dryness' of the emotion described by 漠视.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mɒ̀ ʃî/

US /mɔ̀ ʃî/

Equal stress on both syllables as they are both 4th tones.

Rhymes With

破 (pò) 货 (huò) 过 (guò) 座 (zuò) 事 (shì) 世 (shì) 市 (shì) 势 (shì)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'mò' as 2nd tone (mó), which changes the meaning.
Pronouncing 'shì' as 'sī' (lacking the 'h' sound).
Not making the falling tones sharp enough, making the word sound tentative rather than firm.
Confusing the 'o' in 'mò' with an 'u' sound.
Mixing up the characters and saying 'shìmò' instead of 'mòshì'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The characters are common in newspapers but the nuance requires B1+ level understanding.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of formal sentence structures like '对...的漠视'.

Speaking 3/5

Easy to pronounce but requires the correct context to not sound overly dramatic.

Listening 3/5

Common in news and dramas, usually easy to catch due to the sharp 4th tones.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

看 (kàn) 不 (bù) 理 (lǐ) 忽视 (hūshì) 重视 (zhòngshì)

Learn Next

藐视 (miǎoshì) 歧视 (qíshì) 虚无主义 (xūwú zhǔyì) 社会责任 (shèhuì zérèn)

Advanced

熟视无睹 (shú shì wú dǔ) 置若罔闻 (zhì ruò wǎng wén) 充耳不闻 (chōng ěr bù wén)

Grammar to Know

The 'Bèi' (被) Passive Construction

他的建议被漠视了。(His suggestion was ignored.)

The 'Duì... de' (对...的) structure for abstract nouns

他对规则的漠视让人担忧。(His disregard for rules is worrying.)

Using 'Bùnéng' (不能) for moral prohibition

我们不能漠视弱者的痛苦。(We cannot ignore the pain of the weak.)

Adverbial placement before the verb

他冷酷地漠视了我的请求。(He coldly ignored my request.)

The 'Ràngrén' (让人) causative structure

这种漠视让人感到寒心。(This indifference makes people feel disheartened.)

Examples by Level

他不看我，他在漠视我。

He doesn't look at me; he is ignoring me.

Subject + 漠视 + Object. Simple usage.

不要漠视你的朋友。

Do not ignore your friends.

Imperative '不要' + 漠视.

他漠视我的话。

He ignored my words.

漠视 used with an abstract object '话'.

小猫漠视了它的食物。

The kitten ignored its food.

Using 漠视 for animals to show lack of interest.

老师没有漠视学生。

The teacher did not ignore the student.

Negative form '没有' + 漠视.

她漠视了那个红灯。

She ignored that red light.

漠视 used for rules/signals.

漠视是不好的。

Ignoring (others) is not good.

漠视 used as a gerund/subject.

我感觉到他的漠视。

I feel his indifference.

漠视 used as a noun.

老板漠视了我的建议。

The boss ignored my suggestion.

Formal context: workplace hierarchy.

我们不能漠视环境问题。

We cannot ignore environmental problems.

Modal verb '不能' + 漠视.

这种漠视的态度让人难过。

This attitude of indifference makes people sad.

'的' structure used to describe 'attitude'.

他总是漠视家人的关心。

He always ignores his family's care.

Adverb '总是' + 漠视.

法律不容漠视。

The law cannot be ignored.

Formal idiom-like structure '不容' (does not allow).

你为什么要漠视我的努力？

Why do you want to ignore my efforts?

Question form with '为什么'.

他漠视了医生的警告。

He ignored the doctor's warning.

漠视 + Warning (警告).

漠视他人是没礼貌的。

Ignoring others is impolite.

漠视 as a subject phrase.

政府不应漠视贫困人口的需求。

The government should not ignore the needs of the poor.

Social context; '不应' (should not).

长期被漠视的孩子可能会有心理问题。

Children who are ignored for a long time may have psychological problems.

Passive structure '被' + 漠视.

他公然漠视公司的安全规定。

He openly disregarded the company's safety regulations.

Adverb '公然' (openly) adds intensity.

这种对传统的漠视导致了文化的流失。

This disregard for tradition led to the loss of culture.

'对...的漠视' used as a complex noun phrase.

他那冷酷的眼神显示出对生命的漠视。

His cold eyes showed a disregard for life.

Descriptive sentence showing '漠视' as a trait.

医生指责家属漠视病人的痛苦。

The doctor accused the family of ignoring the patient's pain.

Verb '指责' (accuse) + clause containing 漠视.

如果你继续漠视这个问题，它会变得更糟。

If you continue to ignore this problem, it will get worse.

Conditional '如果...就...' structure.

媒体漠视了这件重要的新闻。

The media ignored this important news story.

漠视 used for institutional behavior.

这种漠视人权的行径受到了国际社会的谴责。

This act of disregarding human rights was condemned by the international community.

High-level political vocabulary: '行径' (act/conduct), '谴责' (condemn).

企业追求利润时往往会漠视社会责任。

Companies often ignore social responsibility when pursuing profits.

'往往' (often) used to describe a common tendency.

他那种漠视一切的性格让他很难交到朋友。

His 'ignore-everything' personality makes it hard for him to make friends.

'漠视一切' as a descriptive phrase for personality.

我们不能对他人的困难掉以轻心，更不能漠视。

We shouldn't take others' difficulties lightly, let alone ignore them.

'更不能' (even less can one...) for emphasis.

这种对法律的漠视最终让他付出了惨痛的代价。

This disregard for the law eventually cost him dearly.

'付出了...代价' (paid the price) collocation.

艺术不应该被商业利益所漠视。

Art should not be ignored by commercial interests.

Passive construction '被...所...'.

他在这篇论文中抨击了现代人对精神生活的漠视。

In this paper, he attacked modern people's disregard for spiritual life.

Verb '抨击' (attack/criticize) used with 漠视.

对规则的漠视是导致这场灾难的主要原因。

The disregard for rules was the main cause of this disaster.

Subject phrase '对...的漠视'.

这种冷漠并非偶然，而是对社会契约的某种漠视。

This indifference is not accidental, but a certain disregard for the social contract.

Philosophical '并非...而是...' structure.

他在作品中深刻地描绘了权势者对底层民众的漠视。

In his work, he profoundly depicted the powerful's disregard for the people at the bottom.

Literary '描绘' (depict) and '权势者' (those in power).

这种对历史真相的漠视是对受害者的二次伤害。

This disregard for historical truth is a secondary injury to the victims.

Metaphorical '二次伤害' (secondary injury).

官僚主义的一个特征就是漠视民众的切身利益。

One characteristic of bureaucracy is the disregard for the immediate interests of the people.

'切身利益' (immediate/vital interests) collocation.

他以一种近乎傲慢的态度漠视了所有的批评。

He ignored all criticism with an attitude bordering on arrogance.

'近乎' (bordering on/nearly).

这种漠视反映了当代文化中深层次的虚无主义。

This indifference reflects a deep-seated nihilism in contemporary culture.

'反映' (reflect) and '虚无主义' (nihilism).

在消费主义盛行的今天，人们往往漠视了精神的追求。

In today's prevailing consumerism, people often ignore spiritual pursuits.

'盛行' (prevailing) and '消费主义' (consumerism).

对科学警告的漠视将使人类面临不可逆转的后果。

Disregard for scientific warnings will leave humanity facing irreversible consequences.

'不可逆转' (irreversible) and '后果' (consequences).

这种对本体论意义的漠视，导致了当代艺术的某种空洞化。

This disregard for ontological meaning has led to a certain hollowization of contemporary art.

Highly academic '本体论' (ontology) and '空洞化' (hollowing out).

在宏大叙事中，个体的痛苦往往被系统性地漠视了。

In grand narratives, individual suffering is often systematically ignored.

'宏大叙事' (grand narrative) and '系统性地' (systematically).

这种漠视并非无知，而是一种权力运作的策略。

This indifference is not ignorance, but a strategy of power operation.

Advanced political analysis of '权力运作' (power operation).

他那超脱的姿态背后，隐藏着对世俗规则的深层漠视。

Behind his detached posture lies a deep disregard for secular rules.

'超脱' (detached/transcendent) and '世俗' (secular).

对语言精确性的漠视，正在侵蚀我们思考的能力。

The disregard for linguistic precision is eroding our ability to think.

Metaphorical '侵蚀' (eroding).

这种漠视折射出精英阶层与大众之间的情感断裂。

This indifference reflects the emotional rupture between the elite and the masses.

'折射' (refract/reflect) and '断裂' (rupture/break).

在算法的逻辑下，人类的情感需求往往被算法所漠视。

Under the logic of algorithms, human emotional needs are often ignored by the algorithm.

'算法' (algorithm) and '逻辑' (logic).

这种对自然律的漠视，终将引发文明的自我毁灭。

This disregard for natural laws will eventually trigger the self-destruction of civilization.

'自然律' (natural law) and '自我毁灭' (self-destruction).

Synonyms

忽视轻视忽略冷落

Antonyms

重视关注在意

Common Collocations

漠视生命

漠视法律

漠视规则

漠视权利

漠视痛苦

漠视需求

漠视警告

漠视存在

漠视传统

漠视民意

Common Phrases

完全漠视

— To completely disregard something with no concern at all.

他完全漠视我的建议。

公然漠视

— To openly and shamelessly ignore rules or authority.

他公然漠视法庭的命令。

冷酷漠视

— To ignore something with a cruel or heartless attitude.

这种冷酷漠视的态度让人寒心。

长期漠视

— To ignore something consistently over a long period.

长期漠视健康会导致严重后果。

遭到漠视

— To be ignored by others (passive experience).

他的才华在当时遭到了漠视。

不容漠视

— Something that must not be ignored; very important.

这是一个不容漠视的问题。

被边缘化和漠视

— To be marginalized and ignored by society.

这些群体经常被边缘化和漠视。

漠视事实

— To ignore the truth or reality of a situation.

你不能漠视事实真相。

漠视细节

— To ignore small but important parts of a task.

在科学实验中，不能漠视任何细节。

漠视风险

— To ignore potential dangers or negative outcomes.

漠视风险往往会导致失败。

Often Confused With

漠视 vs 忽视

忽视 is often accidental; 漠视 is intentional and cold.

漠视 vs 无视

无视 means to act as if something isn't there; 漠视 emphasizes the lack of concern.

漠视 vs 忽略

忽略 is usually a technical omission or a minor oversight.

Idioms & Expressions

"熟视无睹"

— To look at something frequently but remain indifferent as if not seeing it.

他对周围的贫困现象熟视无睹。

Literary

"置之不理"

— To set something aside and pay no attention to it.

面对批评，他总是置之不理。

Common

"视而不见"

— To look but not see; to ignore something right in front of you.

他对我的招手视而不见。

Common

"漠不关心"

— To be completely indifferent and unconcerned.

他对班级事务漠不关心。

Formal

"充耳不闻"

— To hear but not listen; to turn a deaf ear.

他对母亲的叮嘱充耳不闻。

Literary

"不闻不问"

— To show no interest; neither hear nor ask about something.

他对自己孩子的学习不闻不问。

Common

"冷若冰霜"

— To be as cold as frost (describing an indifferent attitude).

她对他那冷若冰霜的态度感到绝望。

Literary

"等闲视之"

— To treat something as ordinary or unimportant (often used in the negative).

这个问题关系重大，不可等闲视之。

Formal

"毫不在意"

— To not care in the slightest.

他对别人的评价毫不在意。

Common

"置若罔闻"

— To act as if one hasn't heard; to ignore advice or warnings.

他对我提出的警告置若罔闻。

Literary

Easily Confused

漠视 vs 忽视

Both mean 'to ignore.'

忽视 is 'to neglect' (often by accident), while 漠视 is 'to disregard' (intentionally and coldly).

我忽视了一个细节 (I overlooked a detail) vs 我漠视了他的痛苦 (I disregarded his pain).

漠视 vs 无视

Both involve not paying attention.

无视 is 'to turn a blind eye' (the action of ignoring), while 漠视 is 'indifference' (the attitude of not caring).

他无视红灯 (He ignored the red light) vs 他漠视规则 (He disregards the rules).

漠视 vs 忽略

Similar meaning in English.

忽略 is often used for data, steps, or small things; 漠视 is for serious values and people.

计算时忽略了小数 (Ignored the decimal in calculation).

漠视 vs 轻视

Both are negative attitudes.

轻视 is 'to look down on' (active contempt); 漠视 is 'to not care' (passive indifference).

他轻视对手 (He looks down on his opponent).

漠视 vs 冷落

Both involve being cold.

冷落 is specifically social (e.g., not talking to someone); 漠视 is broader (e.g., ignoring laws or feelings).

他在家里受冷落 (He is treated coldly at home).

Sentence Patterns

Subject + 漠视 + Object

他漠视我。

不要 + 漠视 + Object

不要漠视你的健康。

Subject + 总是 + 漠视 + Object

他总是漠视我的建议。

对 + Object + 的漠视 + Verb...

对规则的漠视导致了失败。

Subject + 被 + ... + 所漠视

他的才华被时代所漠视。

公然/冷酷地 + 漠视

他公然漠视法律。

...反映了对...的深层漠视

这反映了对人性的深层漠视。

近乎...的漠视

他表现出一种近乎傲慢的漠视。

Word Family

Nouns

漠视 (disregard/indifference)

Verbs

漠视 (to disregard/ignore)

Adjectives

漠然 (indifferent/apathetic)

冷漠 (cold and detached)

冷淡

淡漠

荒漠

视力

视觉

How to Use It

frequency

Medium-High in news and literature; Medium in daily speech.

Common Mistakes

Using 漠视 for accidental forgetting. → 忽视 or 忘记
漠视 implies you knew about it but didn't care. If you just forgot, it's not 漠视.
Saying '漠视于他' (ignoring at him). → 漠视他
漠视 is a transitive verb; it doesn't need '于' or other prepositions.
Using it to mean 'looking far away'. → 远望 or 凝视
Even though '视' means to look, '漠视' is about attitude, not physical distance.
Using 漠视 as a positive 'calmness'. → 淡定 or 冷静
漠视 is negative and cold. Being 'calm' in a good way is different.
Confusing 漠视 with 藐视 (despise). → Depends on context.
藐视 is active contempt; 漠视 is passive indifference.

Tips

Choose Based on Intent

Always use '漠视' when the ignoring is intentional and cold. If it's just a mistake, use '忽视.'

The 'Duì' Pattern

Master the '对...的漠视' pattern; it is the most common way to use this word as a noun phrase in formal writing.

Tone Matters

Use '漠视' to add weight and seriousness to your complaints or critiques. It sounds much more powerful than '不理.'

Learn Collocations

Memorize '漠视生命' and '漠视法律' as set phrases; you will hear them very often in news and movies.

Desert Metaphor

Recall the character '漠' (desert). Indifference is like a dry, cold desert where nothing grows.

Passive Voice

Use '被漠视' to describe the feelings of a victim or an ignored group. It is very effective in emotional or social writing.

Tone Accuracy

Ensure both syllables are sharp 4th tones. If they are too soft, the word loses its 'cold' and 'firm' nuance.

Context Clues

If you hear '漠视' in a movie, look for a character who is being cold, arrogant, or powerful.

Social Critique

When reading social critiques in Chinese, look for '漠视' to find the author's main point of criticism.

HSK/CEFR Prep

This is a common word in HSK 5 and 6 level readings. Practice identifying its synonyms like '忽视' and '轻视.'

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Desert' (漠 - Mò) and 'Seeing' (视 - Shì). If you look at someone and see only a dry, empty desert, you are '漠视'-ing them. You see them, but they mean nothing to you.

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing in a crowded city but looking through people as if they were ghosts or sand in a desert. The cold blue color of the '氵' radical in '漠' can represent the coldness of the heart.

Word Web

漠 (Desert) 视 (See) 冷漠 (Cold) 忽视 (Neglect) 重视 (Value) 关注 (Focus) 法律 (Law) 生命 (Life)

Challenge

Try to write three sentences using 漠视: one about a law, one about a feeling, and one about a social problem. Use the pattern '对...的漠视'.

Word Origin

The word '漠视' is composed of '漠' (mò) and '视' (shì). '漠' historically refers to the vast, dry Gobi desert, implying something that is silent, empty, and cold. '视' means to look or observe.

Original meaning: To look at something as if it were a barren, silent desert; to see without feeling or interest.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)

Cultural Context

Using '漠视' to describe a person's character is a very strong accusation. Use it carefully in personal settings as it implies a lack of basic humanity.

In English, we might use 'turning a blind eye' or 'willful ignorance.' '漠视' is slightly more formal and emphasizes the coldness of the attitude.

鲁迅 (Lu Xun), a famous Chinese writer, often wrote about the 'indifference' (漠视) of the Chinese public toward social change. The 'Little Yue Yue' incident in 2011 is a famous modern example of '社会漠视' discussed in Chinese media.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Legal/Official

漠视法律
漠视程序
漠视人权
漠视警告

Interpersonal

漠视感受
漠视存在
漠视关心
漠视努力

Social Issues

社会漠视
漠视贫困
漠视环境
漠视教育

Workplace

漠视建议
漠视规定
漠视福利
漠视安全

Health

漠视症状
漠视健康
漠视心理问题
漠视医生建议

Conversation Starters

"你觉得现代人是不是越来越漠视周围的人了？ (Do you think modern people are increasingly ignoring those around them?)"

"如果你的建议被老板漠视了，你会怎么办？ (If your suggestion was ignored by your boss, what would you do?)"

"你认为什么样的行为是对生命最大的漠视？ (What kind of behavior do you think is the greatest disregard for life?)"

"为什么有些人会漠视交通规则？ (Why do some people ignore traffic rules?)"

"在你的文化中，漠视他人是一种严重的错误吗？ (In your culture, is ignoring others a serious mistake?)"

Journal Prompts

写一段关于你曾经感到被漠视的经历。 (Write about a time you felt ignored.)

讨论一下社交媒体是否让我们更加漠视现实生活。 (Discuss whether social media makes us ignore real life more.)

评价一下政府在环境保护方面是否存在漠视现象。 (Evaluate whether there is indifference from the government regarding environmental protection.)

如果你发现朋友在漠视你的感受，你会如何沟通？ (If you find a friend is ignoring your feelings, how would you communicate?)

论述‘漠视’与‘无知’之间的区别。 (Discuss the difference between 'indifference' and 'ignorance'.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, '漠视' is almost exclusively negative. It implies a moral or emotional failing, suggesting that someone is cold-hearted or failing in their duty to care about something important. You wouldn't use it to describe a positive detachment.

You can, but it sounds very dramatic. If you say '他漠视我的短信,' it implies he is being intentionally cold and cruel. For a normal 'he didn't reply,' use '没回' or '不理.'

'无视' (wúshì) is more about the action of ignoring something that is right in front of you (like a sign or a person). '漠视' (mòshì) is more about the internal attitude of not caring about the importance or value of something (like human rights or feelings).

You use the '对...的漠视' structure. For example, '对生命的漠视' (disregard for life). This phrase can then be the subject or object of a sentence.

It is used in serious discussions, news broadcasts, and dramas. In everyday casual chat, people are more likely to use '不理' (bù lǐ) or '不把...当回事' (not take something seriously).

Yes, if an animal seems completely indifferent to something, you can use it metaphorically, but it's much more common for human behavior and social systems.

The most common are 法律 (law), 规则 (rules), 建议 (suggestions), 生命 (life), 痛苦 (pain), 需求 (needs), and 警告 (warnings).

No, quite the opposite. It implies they *did* see it (视) but treated it like a desert (漠)—empty and unimportant. If they didn't see it, you would use '没看见' or '忽视.'

Yes, it is considered a formal, literary word (shūmiànyǔ). It's perfect for essays, reports, and serious speeches.

It's grammatically correct, but it sounds like you are making a philosophical statement about your homework. Usually, you would use '不写作业' (don't do homework) or '不做作业.'