軽蔑

• Reading: けいべつ
• Romaji: keibetsu
• Kanji breakdown: 軽 (kei) — light, trivial; 蔑 (betsu) — to despise, to scorn
• Pronunciation: /keː.be.tsɯ/

Meaning

Contempt; scorn; disdain. Looking down on someone with disrespect.

A noun (also used as a suru verb) describing the act of despising or looking down on someone. A strong, formal word that implies a clear judgment of inferiority. Common expressions include 軽蔑する (to despise), 軽蔑のまなざし (a look of contempt), and 軽蔑される (to be looked down upon).

Examples

1. 人を外見で軽蔑するべきではない。 You shouldn't look down on people based on their appearance.
2. 彼女の軽蔑のまなざしが忘れられない。 I can't forget the contemptuous look she gave me.
3. 嘘をつく人は誰からも軽蔑される。 Anyone who lies will be looked down upon by everyone around them.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, interpersonal, ethics

Tone: negative

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 軽 (kei, light/trivial) + 蔑 (betsu, to despise/scorn). Literally 'treating as trivial' — regarding someone as unworthy of respect.

Cultural Context

Era: Historical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal