Translation guide
Vainglory is excessive pride in oneself or one's achievements, often with a desire for admiration. In Japanese, it is expressed through nouns describing boastfulness, vanity, or self-conceit, as well as set phrases and idiomatic expressions.
Expressing the act of boasting or having excessive pride in oneself, often without substance.
The most direct equivalent, meaning 'vanity' or 'vainglory' as a psychological trait. It refers to a desire for admiration and an inflated sense of self-importance.
His vainglory was obvious to everyone.
Conceit, self-admiration. Often used for someone who is overly proud of themselves, sometimes in a more colloquial context.
I'm amazed at his vainglory.
Self-conceit, arrogance. Implies a sense of superiority and often leads to a downfall. Common in moralistic contexts.
Vainglory leads to ruin.
Boasting, pride. While it can be neutral (taking pride in something), it often carries a negative connotation of vainglory when excessive.
I'm fed up with his vainglorious stories.
Focusing on the superficial, showy aspect of vainglory, often related to appearance or status.
Vanity, empty glory. Often used in compounds like 虚栄の市 (Vanity Fair). More literary than 虚栄心.
That is nothing but vainglory.
Show, display, vanity. Refers to caring too much about appearances and how one is seen by others.
Literally 'a lump of vanity', a strong expression for someone who is the embodiment of vainglory.
That person is the epitome of vainglory.
Using proverbs or set phrases to describe vainglorious behavior or its consequences.
Self-praise, singing one's own praises. A common idiom for vainglorious self-promotion.
His speech was full of vainglory.
Self-flattery, blowing one's own horn. Often used humbly when one has to praise oneself.
Literally 'a monkey in clothes', meaning someone who is vainglorious about their appearance but lacks substance. Similar to 'a pig in a poke' or 'fine feathers make fine birds'.
While 虚栄心 is the closest equivalent, it is less common in everyday speech than English 'vainglory' might be in literary contexts. In casual conversation, うぬぼれ or 自慢 are more natural for describing a boastful person.
虚栄心 is a formal, psychological term for vanity. うぬぼれ is more colloquial and implies a person is full of themselves. Use 虚栄心 for abstract discussions of vainglory as a vice; use うぬぼれ to describe someone's personality.
He bought a luxury car out of vainglory.
At the risk of sounding vainglorious, our company's products are the best.
His fancy suit is just vainglory; he has no real talent.