Translation guide
The English word 'ego' can refer to a person's sense of self-importance, self-esteem, or the psychological concept of the self. In Japanese, different words are used depending on the nuance: pride/self-importance, the psychological self, or a self-centered attitude.
Expressing that someone has an inflated sense of their own importance or is overly proud.
Refers to self-respect or self-esteem. Often used when talking about hurting or boosting someone's ego.
I hurt his ego.
She has a strong ego.
Loanword from English 'pride'. Commonly used in everyday speech for personal pride or ego.
He has a big ego.
I swallowed my ego and apologized.
Conceit, vanity, being full of oneself. More negative than 自尊心.
His ego is unbelievable.
Desire for self-display, need to show off. Refers to the ego-driven urge to be noticed.
He has a strong ego and needs to show off.
Referring to the ego as the part of the mind that mediates between the id and superego.
The standard term in psychology for the ego. Also used in everyday language for one's sense of self.
Freud distinguished the ego, superego, and id.
Katakana loanword directly from English 'ego'. Used in psychological or spiritual contexts, but less technical than 自我.
Describing behavior that is overly focused on oneself, often at the expense of others.
自尊心 (self-esteem) is neutral or positive; it's about healthy self-respect. プライド (pride) can be positive or negative depending on context, similar to English 'pride'. うぬぼれ (conceit) is always negative, implying an inflated ego.
It's important to have self-esteem.
He has too much pride.
I can't stand his conceit.
エゴ is mainly used in psychological, spiritual, or philosophical discussions. For everyday talk about someone's pride or self-importance, use 自尊心 or プライド.
It's important to let go of the ego.
I was disappointed by his egoistic behavior.