鄙视

• Pinyin: bǐ shì
• Hanzi breakdown: 鄙 = 卑 (low) + 阝(city radical); 视 = 礻+ 见 (to see)

Meaning

To despise; to look down upon; to scorn.

A strong word for contempt or disdain toward someone or something considered inferior, immoral, or unworthy. More formal and severe than 看不起. Often used when judging character or behavior.

Examples

1. 他鄙视那些靠关系上位的人，觉得他们没有真本事。 He despises people who get ahead through connections — he thinks they have no real ability.
2. 这种背信弃义的行为应该受到所有人的鄙视。 This kind of betrayal should be scorned by everyone.
3. 别用鄙视的眼光看人，谁也不比谁高贵。 Don't look at people with contempt — nobody is better than anyone else.

Usage Guide

Context: moral judgment, criticism, attitudes

Tone: severe

Do Say

• 我鄙视这种行为。(I despise this kind of behavior.)
• 不要鄙视别人。(Don't look down on others.)

Don't Say

• 轻描淡写地用'鄙视' (Don't use 鄙视 casually — it's a strong word; use 看不起 for milder disdain)

Origin & History

鄙 (lowly/vulgar) + 视 (to look). To look at someone as lowly.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal