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.
彼はいつも自分の車を自慢している。
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.
彼の自慢話にはうんざりだ。
I'm fed up with his boasting.
An adjective meaning 'proudly' or 'boastfully'. Often used to describe someone's manner.
彼は自慢げに新しい時計を見せた。
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.
この町は美しい自然を誇っている。
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.
彼は大言壮語するが、実力は伴っていない。
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.
また彼がほらを吹いている。
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.
うちの子は本当に親バカで、いつも子供の写真を見せてくる。
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.
「私なんてまだまだですよ」と言いながら、実は自慢している。
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.'
「忙しくて休む暇もないよ」と愚痴っぽく自慢する。
Boasting by complaining, 'I'm so busy I don't even have time to rest.'
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.
「私の料理は最高だ」とは言わず、「まあまあかな」と言う。
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.
彼は自分の仕事に誇りを持っている。
He takes pride in his work. (not boastful)
慢心は失敗のもとだ。
Arrogance leads to failure.
She's always boasting about her boyfriend.