軽んじる

• Reading: かろんじる
• Romaji: karonjiru
• Kanji breakdown: 軽 (kei/karo) — light, trivial, slight
• Pronunciation: /ka.ɾoɴ.dʑi.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To look down on; to make light of; to belittle; to treat as unimportant.

A Group 2 (ichidan) transitive verb derived from 軽い (light, trivial) with the suffix じる. The opposite of 重んじる (to respect, esteem). Used to describe treating something or someone as less important than they deserve. Common in formal discussions about social issues, values, and ethics. Can also appear as 軽んずる in more classical style.

Examples

1. 人の努力を軽んじるべきではない。 You shouldn't belittle other people's efforts.
2. 命を軽んじる風潮は危険だ。 An attitude that makes light of human life is dangerous.
3. 彼は規則を軽んじて問題を起こした。 He caused problems by disregarding the rules.

Usage Guide

Context: ethics, social commentary, formal writing

Tone: critical

Origin & History

Formed from 軽 (light, trivial) plus the verbal suffix じる. The kanji 軽 originally depicted a lightweight chariot, contrasting with 重 (heavy). The pair 軽んじる/重んじる mirrors this opposition.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Professional