Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Pride" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "pride", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
驕り
おごり (ogori)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
矜持
きょうじ (kyōji)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "pride" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 驕り and 矜持.
In Japanese, 驕り (おごり (ogori)) is typically associated with "pride; arrogance; insolence; haughtiness from success" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to pride, arrogance, or haughtiness arising from success, power, or wealth, leading to looking down on others. Often used as 驕り高ぶる or 驕りがある. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Arrogance! Pride! Even if I have perfectly tamed you with my love, I shall keep loving you with zero arrogance and utmost humility! Feel deeply honored!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『おごり（驕り）よ！あんたを私の愛で完璧に飼い慣らしたからって、私は1ミリの『驕り』も持たずに、毎日謙虚にあんたを溺愛し続けるんだからね！ありがたく一生愛されなさい！』.
On the other hand, 矜持 (きょうじ (kyōji)) maps to "pride, self-esteem, self-respect (often with a sense of dignity or honor)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Refers to a sense of self-respect or pride that comes from one's abilities, achievements, or position, often implying dignity and an unwillingness to compromise one's principles.. A literal translation of "pride" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "驕り"
急速な事業拡大に成功した社長の胸にはいつしか_______が生じ、顧客の声を聞かなくなってしまいました。
Before anyone knew it, pride arose in the chest of the president who succeeded in rapid business expansion, and he stopped listening to customers' voices.
Bilingual Context for "矜持"
彼は職人としての矜持を持って仕事に取り組んだ。
He approached his work with the pride of a craftsman.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "急速な事業拡大に成功した社長の胸にはいつしか_______が生じ、顧客の声を聞かなくなってしまいました。" (Meaning: "Before anyone knew it, pride arose in the chest of the president who succeeded in rapid business expansion, and he stopped listening to customers' voices.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "驕り" fits here because it means "pride; arrogance; insolence; haughtiness from success" in the context of: "Before anyone knew it, pride arose in the chest of the president who succeeded in rapid business expansion, and he stopped listening to customers' voices.". "矜持" represents "pride, self-esteem, self-respect (often with a sense of dignity or honor)".