Translation guide
The English verb 'brag' means to talk proudly about your achievements, possessions, or abilities in a way that annoys others. Japanese has several ways to express this, from direct verbs to more indirect phrases. The most common and natural way is 自慢する (jiman suru), but the best choice depends on context and nuance.
To talk proudly about something you have or did, often in an annoying way.
The most common and direct translation. It can be used for both positive and negative boasting, but often carries a slightly negative nuance when overdone.
彼はいつも自分の車を自慢している。
He's always bragging about his car.
テストの点数を自慢するのはやめなさい。
Stop bragging about your test scores.
Literally 'to do a boastful story'. Used when someone goes on and on about their achievements.
彼の自慢話にはもううんざりだ。
I'm sick of his bragging.
A more formal or literary word meaning 'to take pride in' or 'to boast of'. Often used in written language or formal speeches.
この町は美しい自然を誇っている。
This town boasts beautiful nature.
Means 'to act bossy' or 'to throw one's weight around'. It implies bragging through arrogant behavior rather than just words.
彼は昇進してから急に威張り始めた。
He started bragging and acting all high and mighty after his promotion.
To display or talk about possessions in a way that seeks admiration or envy.
To show off something, often material possessions, in a way that is clearly meant to impress or make others jealous.
彼女は新しい指輪を見せびらかしていた。
She was showing off her new ring.
Similar to 見せびらかす, but often used for knowledge, skills, or status rather than physical objects.
To boast in a subtle or roundabout way, often by downplaying or complaining.
A common Japanese communication pattern where one boasts while pretending to be humble. Often involves phrases like 「大したことないけど」 (it's nothing special) before stating an achievement.
大したことないけど、実はコンテストで優勝したんだ。
It's no big deal, but actually I won the contest.
To brag by complaining, e.g., 'I'm so tired from working overtime every day because I'm the top performer.'
毎日残業で疲れるよ。だって私が一番成績いいからさ。
I'm exhausted from overtime every day. I mean, I'm the top performer, so...
To boast about a family member or close associate's achievements.
A self-deprecating term for a parent who dotes on and boasts about their child. Often used in the phrase 親バカです (I'm a doting parent).
うちの子の自慢ばかりして、親バカですみません。
Sorry for bragging about my kid so much; I'm just a doting parent.
Literally 'my proud son', used when boasting about one's son.
これが自慢の息子です。
This is my son, whom I'm very proud of.
While 自慢する is the standard translation, using it too directly can sound arrogant in Japanese culture, where modesty is valued. Often, it's more natural to express pride indirectly or with humble phrasing.
おかげさまで、うまくいきました。
Thanks to you, it went well. (humble way to imply success without bragging)
自慢 can be attached to nouns to mean 'something one is proud of', e.g., 自慢の料理 (one's proud dish), 自慢の作品 (one's proud work). This is a common and natural way to express pride without using a verb.
彼は自分の知識をひけらかすのが好きだ。
He likes to show off his knowledge.