Translation guide
The English verb 'boast' has two main uses: talking proudly about oneself or one's achievements (often negative), and possessing a desirable feature. Japanese has different expressions for each.
Express that someone speaks with excessive pride about their own accomplishments, possessions, or qualities, often in a way that annoys others.
The most common and neutral way to say 'boast' or 'brag'. Can be used for oneself or others. Often used in the pattern 〜を自慢する.
He's always boasting about his car.
Stop boasting about your grades.
To take pride in something, often with a positive nuance. Can be used for boasting but is less negative than 自慢する. Often used in the pattern 〜を誇る.
He boasts of his son's success.
To act boastfully or arrogantly, often implying a bossy attitude. More about behavior than words.
He boasts to his subordinates.
Literally 'to hang on one's nose', meaning to be boastful about something, often in an annoying way. Used for things like wealth, status, or connections.
He boasts about his academic background.
Express that something has a notable or impressive quality, feature, or possession.
Used for inanimate subjects to mean 'boast' in the sense of possessing something impressive. Often used in formal or written contexts.
This hotel boasts a magnificent view.
A formal way to say 'possess' or 'have', often used in business or technical contexts to describe features.
A pattern meaning 'proud of ~' or 'boasting ~', often used in casual descriptions.
自慢する often carries a negative connotation of bragging, while 誇る can be positive (taking pride) or neutral (possessing a feature). Use 自慢する for people boasting, and 誇る for things possessing qualities.
He is bragging about his success. (negative)
He is proud of his success. (positive)
Avoid directly translating 'boast' as 自慢する when talking about inanimate objects in casual speech; it can sound unnatural. Use 誇る or rephrase with 〜が自慢です instead.
The city boasts a long history.
This product boasts the latest technology.
This restaurant boasts fresh fish.