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.
あなたを誇りに思います。
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.
自分を誇りに思います。
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.
この仕事を誇りに思います。
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.
娘のことを自慢したいです。
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.
胸を張って生きたい。
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.
努力が報われて嬉しいです。
I'm happy that my efforts paid off.
おかげさまで、うまくいきました。
Thanks to you (and others), it went well.
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.
あなたを誇りに思います。
I am proud of you.
Used as a pre-noun adjective meaning 'proud' or 'prized'. Commonly used for family members or prized possessions.
自慢の息子です。
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.
彼の努力に感心しました。
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.
誇らしい気持ちでいっぱいです。
I am filled with a proud feeling.
Literally 'one's chest becomes full', expressing overwhelming emotion, often pride or gratitude.
子供の成長を見て、胸がいっぱいになった。
Seeing my child's growth, I felt overwhelmed with pride.
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.
私は日本人であることを誇りに思います。
I am proud to be Japanese.
Specifically means 'school pride' or 'love for one's school'. Used in educational contexts.
愛校心を持って卒業しました。
I graduated with pride in my school.
Means 'to feel honored to be a member of the team'. Conveys pride through humility and honor.
このチームの一員であることを光栄に思います。
I am proud to be a member of this team.
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.
皆さんのおかげで、この賞をいただくことができました。
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.
彼は自分の成功を自慢した。
He boasted about his success.
彼女は息子を誇りに思っている。
She is proud of her son.
自分の仕事に誇りを持っています。
I'm proud of my work.
彼は自分の達成を誇らしく思った。
He was proud of his achievement.
息子が合格して、鼻が高いです。
My son passed the exam, and I'm proud.
I'm really happy that you succeeded. (implying pride)