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).
He is very conceited.
You must not become conceited about your success.
Kanji form of うぬぼれ, but less common. Same meaning: self-conceit, vanity.
Conceit is a pitfall.
Refers to overconfidence or self-conceit, often leading to failure. It implies a lack of caution due to excessive pride.
Conceit led to failure.
Noun meaning 'conceit' or 'presumption'. It suggests an inflated sense of self-importance.
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).
He gets a big head as soon as he's praised a little.
Referring to the literary device of an extended metaphor or a far-fetched comparison, often used in poetry.
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.
Conceited people have few friends.
Conceit is the cause of accidents.
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.
Metaphysical poets favored conceits.