蔑ろにする

• Reading: ないがしろにする
• Romaji: naigashiro ni suru
• Kanji breakdown: 蔑 (naigashiro/betsu) — contempt, scorn, neglect
• Pronunciation: /na.i.ɡa.ɕi.ɾo.ni.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To make light of; to ignore; to slight; to treat with contempt or neglect.

A する-verb expression (Group 3 irregular). Often written in hiragana as ないがしろにする. Carries a strong negative connotation — implies disrespect or deliberate neglect of something that deserves attention. Common in formal criticism.

Examples

1. 部下の意見をないがしろにする上司は信頼されない。 A supervisor who dismisses subordinates' opinions will not be trusted.
2. 健康をないがしろにして仕事ばかりしていた。 I was neglecting my health and doing nothing but work.
3. 約束をないがしろにするのは人として問題がある。 There is something wrong with a person who treats promises with contempt.

Usage Guide

Context: criticism, workplace, ethics

Tone: disapproving

Origin & History

From classical Japanese 無きが代 (naki ga shiro), meaning 'in place of nothing' — treating something as if it were nothing. The kanji 蔑 means contempt or scorn.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated