Translation guide
In Japanese, bragging is often expressed indirectly. Direct boasts can sound rude, so speakers use humble language, third-person framing, or onomatopoeia to soften the effect.
To talk proudly about one's own achievements, possessions, or qualities.
The most common and neutral verb for 'to boast' or 'to brag'. Can be used for oneself or others.
He's always bragging about his car.
Stop bragging about your test scores.
Literally 'to do a boast story'. Refers to the act of telling boastful anecdotes.
I'm fed up with his bragging stories.
To take pride in something; often used in formal or written contexts. Can sound less negative than 自慢する.
This town boasts beautiful nature.
To act arrogantly or throw one's weight around. Implies a boastful attitude rather than just words.
More about arrogant behavior than verbal bragging.
He acts all high and mighty in front of his boss.
To display something proudly, often to impress others.
To make a seemingly modest statement that actually draws attention to one's achievements.
Japanese often uses humble expressions (謙遜) that can function as humblebrags. For example, saying 'I'm not good at...' while expecting praise.
Oh, I still have a long way to go. (said after receiving a compliment)
To boast about a family member, friend, or associate.
A doting parent who boasts about their child. Often used self-deprecatingly.
Sorry for being a doting parent, but my child is really smart.
In Japanese culture, direct self-praise is often considered impolite. It's common to downplay achievements or use humble language. Even when using 自慢する, it's often softened with phrases like ちょっと自慢になるけど (this might sound like bragging, but...).
To brag indirectly, Japanese speakers sometimes describe themselves from an outsider's viewpoint, e.g., よく言われるんですけど (I'm often told that...).
He likes to flaunt his knowledge.