蔑む

• Reading: さげすむ
• Romaji: sagesumu
• Kanji breakdown: 蔑 (betsu/sagesu) — scorn, despise, slight
• Pronunciation: /sa.ɡe.sɯ.mɯ/

Meaning

To scorn; to despise; to look down on; to hold in contempt. Expresses strong disdain toward someone.

A Group 1 (godan) transitive verb expressing deep contempt or disrespect toward another person. Stronger than 見下す (to look down on) in emotional intensity. Often used in literature and formal writing. The related noun 蔑み means scorn or contempt.

Examples

1. 他人を蔑む態度は誰からも嫌われる。 An attitude of scorning others will make everyone dislike you.
2. 彼は貧しい人々を蔑む発言をして批判された。 He was criticized for making contemptuous remarks about people in poverty.
3. 蔑むような目で見られるのは辛い。 Being looked at with a scornful gaze is really hard to bear.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, social commentary, ethics

Tone: harsh

Origin & History

From 蔑 (to despise, to slight), which combines 艹 (grass radical) with 戍 (garrison) and other elements. The character suggests looking at something as insignificant as grass — beneath notice.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal