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藐视 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
藐视miǎoshìto despiseHSK 7, v, 25 strokes, rank #9759, Very Hard
藐视miǎoshìto look down onHSK 7, v, 25 strokes, rank #9759, Very Hard
miǎoshì(miao3shi4)miao shi T3
  1. 1to despise
  2. 2to look down on
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March 24, 2026

藐视(藐視)miǎoshì(miao3shi4)

The verb 藐视 (miǎoshì) means to despise or to look down on someone or something with contempt. It is often used in contexts where there is a strong sense of disdain, indicating a lack of respect for the subject in question. This term can convey a sense of moral superiority or judgment.

Strokes25Frequency#9759DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of respect, particularly towards elders and authority figures, is highly valued. 藐视 reflects a serious breach of this cultural norm, making it a significant term in discussions about social behavior.

Memory tip

Think of 藐视 (miǎoshì) as 'miao' (meow) and 'shi' (see) – imagine a cat looking down from a high place, disdainfully observing the world below. The cat's perspective symbolizes contempt, capturing the essence of despising or looking down on others.

Meanings of 藐视

miǎoshì(miao3shi4)
1to despise
2to look down on
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 藐视

藐视Simplified
藐視Traditional
25Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#9759Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1

Podcast: 藐视

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Podcast: 藐视

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AI Study Notes for 藐视

Quick Contrast

轻视 (qīngshì) - use 藐视 when the contempt is stronger and more morally charged than just a lack of regard.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tone of 藐视; it carries a strong negative connotation. It is typically used in more formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include 藐视权威 (to despise authority) and 藐视法律 (to look down on the law).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 藐视 connects to themes of respect and authority, which are also present in other advanced vocabulary. Focus on using it in sentences that discuss social hierarchies or moral judgments to deepen understanding.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 藐视 with related words like 轻视 (qīngshì), which means to treat something lightly. For instance, saying '我藐视我的朋友的意见' (I despise my friend's opinion) is too strong; it may be better to say '我轻视我的朋友的意见' if you want to express indifference.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 藐视

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Component Characters

藐miǎoto despise
17 strokes艹
View full entry
视shìto look at
HSK 18 strokes见
View full entry

How to say to despise in Chinese

“to despise” in Chinese is藐视miǎoshì

The verb 藐视 (miǎoshì) means to despise or to look down on someone or something with contempt. It is often used in contexts where there is a strong sense of disdain, indicating a lack of respect for the subject in question. This term can convey a sense of moral superiority or judgment.

When to use 藐视

Be cautious with the tone of 藐视; it carries a strong negative connotation. It is typically used in more formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include 藐视权威 (to despise authority) and 藐视法律 (to look down on the law).

藐视 or something close to it

轻视 (qīngshì) - use 藐视 when the contempt is stronger and more morally charged than just a lack of regard.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 藐视 with related words like 轻视 (qīngshì), which means to treat something lightly. For instance, saying '我藐视我的朋友的意见' (I despise my friend's opinion) is too strong; it may be better to say '我轻视我的朋友的意见' if you want to express indifference.

Write 藐视

藐
视

Practice writing 藐视 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 藐视

藐视 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 3

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凯利先生因____法庭被判6个月监禁。

Mr. Kelly was sentenced to six months in prison for contempt.

Example Sentences for 藐视 (3)

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1
凯利先生因藐视法庭被判6个月监禁。

kǎi lì xiānsheng yīn miǎoshì fǎtíng bèi pàn6 gè yuè jiān jīn。

Mr. Kelly was sentenced to six months in prison for contempt.
2
凡漠视本法令者将被判藐视法庭罪。

fán mò shì běn fǎ lìng zhě jiāng bèi pàn miǎoshì fǎtíng zuì。

Any person who disregards this order will be in contempt of court.
3
安妮塔羡慕姐姐不受道德观念的制约,藐视公众舆论。

Ān nī tǎ xiànmù jiějie bù shòu dàodé guānniàn de zhìyuē, miǎoshì gōngzhòng yúlùn。

Anita envied her sister's amorality and contempt for public opinion.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 藐视

While it can be used in everyday conversation, it is more appropriate in formal discussions or writings, especially when discussing serious topics.

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