Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Pride" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "pride", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
誇る
ほこる (hokoru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
自慢
じまん (jiman)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "pride" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 誇る and 自慢.
In Japanese, 誇る (ほこる (hokoru)) is typically associated with "pride oneself on; boast of; be proud of; tower proudly" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to priding oneself on ability/achievements, boasting of something outstanding, or towering proudly.
On the other hand, 自慢 (じまん (jiman)) maps to "pride, boast, brag" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Can be used positively to express pride in one's own or something related to oneself, or negatively to describe excessive boasting.. A literal translation of "pride" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "誇る"
この美術館は、世界最大規模の印象派のコレクションを_______、毎年多くの観光客が訪れます。
This art museum boasts one of the world's largest collections of Impressionist paintings, visited by many tourists every year.
Bilingual Context for "自慢"
彼はいつも自分の車の性能を自慢している。
He is always boasting about the performance of his car.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この美術館は、世界最大規模の印象派のコレクションを_______、毎年多くの観光客が訪れます。" (Meaning: "This art museum boasts one of the world's largest collections of Impressionist paintings, visited by many tourists every year.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "誇る" fits here because it means "pride oneself on; boast of; be proud of; tower proudly" in the context of: "This art museum boasts one of the world's largest collections of Impressionist paintings, visited by many tourists every year.". "自慢" represents "pride, boast, brag".