Translation guide
Complacency refers to a feeling of self-satisfaction, often without awareness of potential dangers or deficiencies. In Japanese, it is expressed through words describing carelessness, overconfidence, or a false sense of security.
A state of being content with oneself or a situation, leading to a lack of vigilance or effort.
Refers to overconfidence or arrogance that leads to carelessness. Often used in warnings against becoming too proud.
A false sense of security, not realizing that a situation is risky or could change for the worse.
Literally 'lacking a sense of crisis', used to describe someone who is too relaxed in a dangerous situation.
慢心 emphasizes arrogance or overconfidence as the cause of carelessness, while 油断 focuses on the state of being off guard. 油断 is more common in everyday warnings.
Don't get overconfident.
Complacency can lead to accidents.
慢心は失敗のもとだ。
Complacency is the root of failure.
Don't become complacent after success.
Means carelessness or letting one's guard down. Often used in set phrases like 油断大敵 (complacency is one's worst enemy).
Complacency is one's worst enemy.
I let my guard down for a moment and my wallet was stolen.
Describes a state of being completely at ease, often to the point of carelessness.
He became complacent and neglected the preparations.
Self-satisfaction, often with a negative connotation of being content with mediocrity.
This is no time for complacency.
They are too complacent about the risks.
To become less vigilant; one's attention slackens. Often used after a period of tension.
After the exam, I became complacent.
Indolence or easygoingness, often implying a neglect of duty. More literary.
If you indulge in complacency, you'll be caught off guard.
Don't let your guard down.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'complacency'. Translating it directly as 自己満足 or 安心 may not convey the negative nuance of carelessness. Choose the expression based on the specific context.
We must guard against complacency.