How to say "pride" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 得意とくいna-adjective, no-adjectivePride as a feeling of satisfaction, triumph, or elation over something done well; closer to 'pleased with oneself' than to deep-seated pride. Typical when you have just succeeded at something.
- 自慢じまんsuru verb, transitive verb, no-adjectivePride in one's achievements or possessions that is voiced to others; since the word also means self-praise and boasting, it often implies showing off. Typical when telling others about one's family, hometown, or accomplishments.
- 誇りほこりnounThe core word for pride in one's work, family, or country, and for something that is a credit to a person or group; usually the word you want for positive 'pride'.
- nounThe loanword for pride as dignity and self-worth — the sense of 'professional pride' or 'wounded pride'. It often suggests a firm sense of one's own value, and can shade into ego.
- 自負じふnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbPride grounded in confidence in one's own abilities or achievements; thinking highly of oneself. It suggests an inward conviction of one's excellence, often about one's skill or work, rather than elation or outward boasting.
Use 「誇り」 for pride as a value or credit, 「プライド」 for dignity and self-worth, 自慢 for voiced pride that shades into boasting, 得意 for elated satisfaction over a success, and 自負 for confident pride in one's abilities.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
- 得意とくいsatisfaction
- 自慢じまんpride (in one's achievements, possessions, etc.)
- 誇りほこりpride
- プライドpride
- 自負じふpride
- 慢心まんしんself-conceit
- 至宝しほうgreatest treasure
- 自惚れうぬぼれconceit
- 意地いじstubbornness
- 自尊じそんself-respect
- 識見しきけんviews
- 意気地いくじself-respect
- 矜持きょうじpride
- 気位きぐらいpride
- 驕傲きょうごうpride
- 自負心じふしんpride
- 見高けんだかpride
- 喬志きょうしpride
- 潔しいさぎよしpride
- 驕慢きょうまんarrogance
- 大威張りおおいばりbragging
- 自尊心じそんしんself-esteem
- 見識けんしきpride
- 高ぶりたかぶりpride
- 張りはりwill power
See also
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