Translation guide
Expressing pride in Japanese requires careful attention to context. Direct translations like 誇りに思う exist but can sound overly formal or self-aggrandizing. More commonly, Japanese speakers express pride indirectly through phrases emphasizing effort, gratitude, or humble acknowledgment. The choice depends on whether you're proud of yourself, someone else, or an achievement, and the level of formality.
I'm proud of you.
Formal. In casual speech, すごいね (That's amazing) or よくやったね (Well done) are more common.
I'm proud of myself.
Formal and can sound boastful. Often softened with 少し (a little) or replaced with 嬉しい (happy).
Expressing personal pride in one's own accomplishment, ability, or characteristic, often in a humble or socially acceptable way.
The most direct translation, meaning 'to feel proud of'. It is formal and can sound boastful if used about oneself without softening. Often used in speeches or writing.
I am proud of this work.
Means 'to boast' or 'to be proud of'. Often carries a negative connotation of bragging, so use carefully. Can be used positively in casual contexts about family or possessions.
Can sound like bragging if used about oneself. Safer to use about others.
I want to boast about my daughter.
Literally 'to puff out one's chest', meaning to be proud or hold one's head high. Often used when feeling proud of one's actions or standing tall with confidence.
I want to live with pride.
Instead of directly stating pride, Japanese often express it indirectly by saying they are grateful, happy, or that their efforts paid off. This avoids sounding arrogant.
I'm happy that my efforts paid off.
Expressing pride in another person's achievements or qualities, such as a child, student, or colleague.
Works naturally when expressing pride in others, especially in formal contexts. Less risk of sounding boastful than when used for oneself.
I am proud of you.
Used as a pre-noun adjective meaning 'proud' or 'prized'. Commonly used for family members or prized possessions.
He's my proud son. / I'm proud of my son.
Means 'to be impressed' or 'admire'. Often used when someone has done something praiseworthy, conveying a sense of proud admiration.
I was impressed by his efforts. (implying pride)
An idiomatic expression meaning 'to be proud' (literally 'to have a high nose'). Often used when a parent or teacher is proud of someone's success.
Describing the warm feeling of pride, often in personal or reflective contexts.
An adjective meaning 'proud' or 'glorious'. Describes the feeling of pride in a more emotional, less formal way than 誇りに思う.
I am filled with a proud feeling.
Literally 'one's chest becomes full', expressing overwhelming emotion, often pride or gratitude.
Simply means 'happy'. Often used in situations where an English speaker might say 'proud', as direct pride statements can be too strong.
Expressing pride in a collective identity, such as nationality, school, or team.
Standard for expressing pride in a group. Often used in formal statements or national anthems.
I am proud to be Japanese.
Specifically means 'school pride' or 'love for one's school'. Used in educational contexts.
Means 'to feel honored to be a member of the team'. Conveys pride through humility and honor.
In Japanese culture, directly stating 'I am proud of myself' can be perceived as arrogant. It's often better to express gratitude, happiness, or acknowledge the support of others. Use 誇りに思う sparingly about yourself, and prefer humble or indirect expressions.
Thanks to everyone, I was able to receive this award.
誇りに思う is a neutral/formal statement of pride, while 自慢する implies boasting. Use 自慢する carefully, as it can sound like bragging. For positive pride in others, 自慢の (as in 自慢の娘) is acceptable in casual speech.
He boasted about his success.
She is proud of her son.
I'm proud of my work.
He was proud of his achievement.
おかげさまで、うまくいきました。
Thanks to you (and others), it went well.
My son passed the exam, and I'm proud.
Seeing my child's growth, I felt overwhelmed with pride.
I'm really happy that you succeeded. (implying pride)
I graduated with pride in my school.
I am proud to be a member of this team.