How to say "despicable" in Japanese

• 卑劣ひれつCommon
  na-adjective, nounCovers the moral sense of 'despicable' — contemptible, dirty behavior such as betrayal or cheating, and condemns the act or method itself. Use this when criticizing underhanded conduct.
• 卑しいいやしいJLPT N1approx.Common
  i-adjectiveIts core senses are vulgar, coarse, and mean rather than 'despicable' proper; it fits low tastes, crude manners, or a base, greedy streak. Reach for it for vulgarity or meanness more than outright despicable deeds.
  卑いやしいことは絶対ぜったいにしない。↗

  He is above all meanness.

For morally contemptible conduct, 卑劣 is the closer match; 「卑しい」 is broader, centered on vulgar or lowly, and only loosely covers 'despicable' in its mean, base sense.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 卑劣ひれつmean
• 卑しむべきいやしむべきdespicable
• 見下げ果てたみさげはてたcontemptible
• 唾棄すべきだきすべきdetestable
• 最低最悪さいていさいあくworst of the worst
• 浅ましいあさましいwretched
• 下劣げれつbase
• 卑しいいやしいvulgar