Translation guide
The feeling or attitude of being overly self-satisfied, often with a sense of superiority. In Japanese, this is expressed through specific adjectives, nouns, and descriptive phrases that convey self-satisfaction, conceit, or a gloating demeanor.
Expressing a general sense of being pleased with oneself, often in an annoying or self-congratulatory way.
A noun or na-adjective meaning self-satisfaction, self-righteousness, or being self-complacent. It implies that the person is content with their own actions or opinions without considering others, often perceived as smug.
I'm fed up with his smug attitude.
A noun meaning self-satisfaction or self-complacency. It is more neutral than 独りよがり and can be used in contexts where someone is simply satisfied with their own achievement, but it can also carry a negative nuance of smugness.
He is basking in self-satisfaction.
A na-adjective meaning looking triumphant or proud of oneself. It describes the visible expression or demeanor of someone who is smugly pleased with something they did.
She smiled smugly.
A noun meaning conceit, vanity, or being full of oneself. It emphasizes an inflated self-image, which can manifest as smugness.
I can't stand his smugness.
Describing a facial expression that shows smugness, such as a smirk or self-satisfied grin.
An adverb or suru-verb meaning to grin broadly, often in a self-satisfied or suggestive way. It captures the visual of a smug smirk.
He was smirking without saying anything.
A slang noun meaning a smug face or triumphant look, often used when someone is showing off or feeling superior. It comes from the Kansai dialect word 'どや' (how's that?).
An interjection or phrase expressing satisfaction at having outwitted someone or succeeded in a scheme. It conveys a smug 'I did it!' feeling.
He chuckled to himself with a smug 'gotcha'.
Conveying an attitude of looking down on others with self-satisfaction, often implying arrogance.
A noun or na-adjective meaning haughty, arrogant, or proud. It describes an attitude of superiority that often accompanies smugness.
His smug, arrogant attitude made everyone uncomfortable.
A noun meaning conceit, presumption, or being stuck-up. It implies an inflated sense of self-importance that leads to smug behavior.
An idiomatic phrase meaning to get a big head or become conceited, literally 'to become a tengu'. It describes someone who becomes smug after success.
独りよがり has a stronger negative connotation, implying that the person is self-righteous and disregards others. 自己満足 is more neutral and can simply mean being satisfied with oneself, though it can also be used negatively in context.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'smugness'. It is better to describe the specific behavior or attitude using the options above. Using a direct translation like 'smugness' in katakana (スマッグネス) would not be understood.
彼はテストで満点を取ってドヤ顔をした。
He got a perfect score on the test and made a smug face.
I'm disgusted by his smugness.
He gets smug as soon as he's praised a little.