Translation guide
Describes someone who has an excessively high opinion of themselves, their abilities, or their appearance. Japanese expressions range from mild to strong, and many are idiomatic.
To describe a person who is generally conceited, arrogant, or full of themselves.
The most common and natural way to say someone is conceited. Implies an inflated self-image, often without good reason.
He is conceited about his talent.
Literally 'elevated in thought', this is a strong term for arrogance and conceit, often implying a lack of humility.
He's gotten conceited after his success.
Idiomatic expression meaning 'to become a tengu' (a mythical boastful creature). Used when someone gets a big head after success or praise.
He gets conceited as soon as you praise him a little.
Literally 'riding the rhythm', this means getting carried away or cocky, often due to a temporary success or good mood.
He's getting conceited and bragging all the time.
A formal and strong word for arrogance, often used in written or serious contexts. Implies looking down on others.
I can't stand his conceited attitude.
To describe someone who is vain or conceited specifically about their looks.
Directly states someone is conceited about their appearance.
She is conceited about her looks.
Loanword from 'narcissist'. Commonly used for someone who is excessively vain and self-absorbed about their appearance.
A casual way to say someone thinks they're cool/handsome, often implying conceit.
To describe someone who is conceited about their skills, knowledge, or intelligence.
Standard way to say someone is conceited about their abilities.
He's so conceited about his abilities that he might fail.
Means to act like a know-it-all, pretending to know more than one does. Implies conceit about knowledge.
Literally 'to boast that one is smart'. A direct way to describe someone bragging about their intelligence.
うぬぼれている is a general state of being conceited, while 天狗になっている often implies a temporary inflated ego due to recent success or praise. 天狗 is more colloquial and vivid.
He has always been conceited.
He's gotten a big head after winning the championship.
Direct translations like '自負している' (jifu shite iru) are not natural for 'be conceited'. 自負 means 'pride' in a positive sense, not arrogance. Use うぬぼれている or 思い上がっている instead.
He's a total narcissist.
That guy is so conceited about how cool he is.
He's always acting like a know-it-all, so everyone dislikes him.
She's always boasting about how smart she is.