Translation guide
How to express boasting in Japanese, from casual bragging to formal self-praise.
To boast about oneself or one's achievements in a casual, often light-hearted way.
The most common and versatile way to say 'to boast' or 'to brag'. Can be used for oneself or others.
He's always boasting about his car.
I bragged about my test score to my friends.
Literally 'to do a boasting story'. Refers to the act of telling boastful stories.
I'm fed up with his boasting.
An adjective meaning 'proudly' or 'boastfully'. Often used to describe someone's manner.
He showed off his new watch proudly.
Means 'to take pride in' or 'to boast of'. More formal and often used for achievements or qualities.
This town boasts beautiful nature.
To boast in an exaggerated, arrogant, or overbearing manner.
Literally 'big words, strong language'. Means to talk big or make grandiose boasts.
He talks big, but his ability doesn't match.
Literally 'to blow a conch shell'. Means to tell tall tales or boast in a lying, exaggerated way.
He's boasting again (telling tall tales).
Noun meaning 'arrogance' or 'conceit'. Often used in the context of boasting leading to downfall.
To boast about one's children, company, or in-group, which is common in Japanese culture.
Literally 'parent idiot'. A self-deprecating way to describe a parent who dotes on and boasts about their children.
My husband/wife is such a doting parent, always showing off photos of our kids.
To gush or boast about one's romantic partner or spouse in a lovey-dovey way.
To boast indirectly, often by complaining or appearing humble.
A common Japanese communication pattern: humblebragging by mixing modesty with self-praise.
Saying 'I still have a long way to go' while actually boasting.
To boast in a complaining tone, e.g., 'I'm so busy because I'm so popular.'
In Japanese culture, direct self-praise can be perceived as arrogant or immature. It's common to downplay achievements or use humble language. When in doubt, err on the side of modesty.
Instead of saying 'My cooking is the best,' say 'It's okay, I guess.'
自慢 (jiman) often implies showing off or bragging, while 誇り (hokori) is a more dignified sense of pride. 誇りに思う (to feel proud) is acceptable and not necessarily boastful.
He takes pride in his work. (not boastful)
慢心は失敗のもとだ。
Arrogance leads to failure.
彼女はいつも彼氏ののろけ話をする。
She's always boasting about her boyfriend.
Boasting by complaining, 'I'm so busy I don't even have time to rest.'