Translation guide
Describes a person who seeks attention by displaying their abilities or possessions, or the act of doing so. Japanese has many colorful nouns and verbs, ranging from mild teasing to strong criticism.
To refer to someone who habitually seeks attention by flaunting skills, knowledge, or possessions.
A common, slightly teasing term for someone who always wants to stand out. Literally 'person who wants to be conspicuous'.
He's such a show-off, isn't he?
Literally 'braggart'. Emphasizes boasting about achievements or possessions.
She's a show-off, so she only talks about her new car.
Refers to someone who butts in or shows off by being overly forward. Often implies meddling.
That show-off is running the meeting again.
Casual, often derogatory. Someone who tries too hard to look cool. Similar to 'poser'.
He's a show-off, so he always wears sunglasses.
Literally 'person who flaunts things'. Less common, but directly translates the idea of showing off possessions.
He's a show-off, showing everyone his new watch.
To describe the behavior of flaunting skills, knowledge, or possessions.
Transitive verb meaning to flaunt or show off something. Often used for possessions.
He showed off his new smartphone.
To boast or brag. Can be used for skills, achievements, or possessions.
He shows off his success.
To try to stand out. Describes the intention behind showing off.
Casual verb meaning to try to look cool or show off. Often used negatively.
To flaunt or show off, often with a nuance of arrogance. Stronger than 見せびらかす.
To refer to the act or instance of showing off as a noun.
Noun form of 見せびらかす. The act of flaunting something.
I'm fed up with his showing off of his new car.
Boasting; pride. Often used in compounds like 自慢話 (boastful story).
Can also refer to the act of butting in or showing off. Used as a noun.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'show-off' in all contexts. The best choice depends on whether you mean a person, an action, or a specific nuance like bragging vs. trying to look cool.
目立ちたがり屋 focuses on the desire to be noticed, while 自慢屋 emphasizes boasting about specific achievements or possessions. The former is more about personality, the latter about behavior.
She tried to show off at the party by wearing flashy clothes.
He showed off in front of the girls.
He likes to show off his knowledge.
His show-off stories are always long.
彼の出しゃばりには我慢できない。
I can't stand his showing off.