Translation guide
The English word 'conceit' refers to excessive pride in oneself, often with an overestimation of one's abilities or appearance. This guide helps learners express this concept naturally in Japanese, covering personality traits, behavior, and related expressions.
Describing a person who is overly proud of themselves, their abilities, or appearance, often in a negative sense.
A common noun meaning 'conceit' or 'vanity'. It refers to being overly pleased with oneself. Often used in the phrase うぬぼれる (to be conceited).
Referring to the literary device of an extended metaphor or a far-fetched comparison, often used in poetry.
Means 'fantastic idea' or 'conceit' in the literary sense. Used in discussions of poetry and art.
うぬぼれ is the most common and general term for conceit or vanity. 慢心 implies overconfidence that leads to carelessness or failure, often used in warnings. 思い上がり suggests an attitude of looking down on others due to an inflated self-image.
うぬぼれが強い人は友達が少ない。
Conceited people have few friends.
慢心は事故のもとだ。
Conceit is the cause of accidents.
彼はうぬぼれが強い。
He is very conceited.
自分の成功にうぬぼれてはいけない。
You must not become conceited about your success.
Kanji form of うぬぼれ, but less common. Same meaning: self-conceit, vanity.
自惚れは禁物だ。
Conceit is a pitfall.
Refers to overconfidence or self-conceit, often leading to failure. It implies a lack of caution due to excessive pride.
慢心が失敗を招いた。
Conceit led to failure.
Noun meaning 'conceit' or 'presumption'. It suggests an inflated sense of self-importance.
彼の思い上がりには呆れる。
I'm disgusted by his conceit.
Literally a mythical creature, but idiomatically means 'conceited person' or 'braggart'. Often used in the phrase 天狗になる (to get a big head).
彼はちょっと褒められるとすぐ天狗になる。
He gets a big head as soon as he's praised a little.
この詩は奇想に富んでいる。
This poem is rich in conceits.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'exaggerated metaphor', which captures the essence of a literary conceit.
形而上学詩人は誇張された比喩を好んだ。
Metaphysical poets favored conceits.
His conceit made everyone uncomfortable.
Direct translations like 自負 (じふ) exist but are rarely used in modern Japanese to describe a person's character. Stick to うぬぼれ or related terms for natural expression.
His conceit made everyone uncomfortable.
Direct translations like 自負 (じふ) exist but are rarely used in modern Japanese to describe a person's character. Stick to うぬぼれ or related terms for natural expression.