Japanese Conversation · Level 119
60 words
Japanese word
軽蔑
Pronunciation
Romajikeibetsu
Meaning
- nouncontempt
Example
その態度には相手への軽蔑が表れています。so no tai do ni wa ai te e no kei betsu ga arawa re te i ma su
That attitude shows contempt for the other person.
More examples
冗談のつもりでも、相手に軽蔑と受け取られることがあります。jō dan no tsu mo ri de mo ai te ni kei betsu to u ke to ra re ru ko to ga a ri ma su
Even if it is meant as a joke, the other person may take it as contempt.
Core concept
It describes treating another person as beneath respect and therefore unworthy of serious regard.
Common phrases
軽蔑の対象kei betsu no tai shō
an object of contempt
軽蔑を表すkei betsu o arawa su
show contempt
軽蔑のまなざしkei betsu no ma na za shi
a contemptuous gaze
Similar words
侮蔑bubetsu: A strong attitude of looking down on someone as inferior and unworthy of respect.
蔑視besshi: A view that treats a person or group as inferior and unworthy of respect.
軽侮keibu: A dismissive attitude that regards someone or something as lacking in worth or importance.
Definition in Japanese
相手を価値のないものとして見下し、敬意を払わないこと。ai te o ka chi no na i mo no to shi te mi kuda shi kei i o hara wa na i ko to
Word origin
The Sino-Japanese compound 軽蔑 (keibetsu, "contempt") combines 軽 (kei, "light") with 蔑 (betsu, "despise"), expressing the idea of looking down on someone.
Usage tips
- In English, contempt of court refers to disobedience or disrespect toward a court's authority, so contempt also appears in a formal legal expression.