Japanese word

けなす

Pronunciation

Romajikenasu

Meaning

  • verbdisparage

Example

彼女は友達の考えをけなします。kano jo wa tomo dachi no kanga e o ke na shi ma su

She disparages her friend's ideas.

Illustration for けなす (disparage)

More examples

冗談のつもりでも、他人をけなすのはやめましょう。jō dan no tsu mo ri de mo ta nin o ke na su no wa ya me ma shō

Even if you mean it as a joke, stop disparaging others.

Core concept

It presents someone or something as having less worth by speaking of it in a strongly negative way.

Common phrases

  • 他人をけなすta nin o ke na su

    disparage others

Similar words

批判するhihansuru: To examine and judge faults or problems, often in a direct way.
こき下ろすkokiorosu: To attack someone or something with strongly insulting criticism.
非難するhinansuru: To express strong disapproval of an action or person.
中傷するchūshōsuru: To damage someone's reputation with false or harmful remarks.

Definition in Japanese

人や物事の価値を低く見て、悪く言う。hito ya mono goto no ka chi o hiku ku mi te waru ku yū

Word origin

けなす (kenasu, "to disparage") is a native Japanese verb, often written 貶す (kenasu, "to lower in value"); its older word formation is not certain.

Usage tips

  • The English verb criticize can be neutral, whereas けなす (kenasu) usually suggests speaking of someone or something in a harshly negative way.

Other meanings

  • criticizeverb
  • belittleverb

Opposites

  • ほめるhomerupraiseverb

Word lists with this word