Translation guide
The feeling of pride and confidence in oneself; valuing one's own dignity and worth. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through several nouns and phrases that emphasize honor, pride, and not bringing shame upon oneself.
Expressing the general concept of having self-respect as a personal quality or value.
The most direct equivalent, meaning self-respect or self-esteem. Often used in psychological or everyday contexts.
自尊心を傷つけられた。
My self-respect was hurt.
彼は自尊心が強い。
He has strong self-respect.
Loanword from English 'pride'. Often used for personal pride, but can also imply stubbornness or ego. Common in casual speech.
彼はプライドが高い。
He has a lot of pride / self-respect.
A more literary term for self-respect or pride in one's abilities. Less common in daily conversation.
彼は自分の仕事に自負心を持っている。
He takes pride in his work.
Emphasizing self-respect as maintaining one's honor, dignity, or not doing something shameful.
Pride, honor, or self-respect. Often used in contexts of personal or national pride, and doing things that bring honor.
彼は自分の家族を誇りに思っている。
He takes pride in his family.
それは私の誇りにかかわる問題だ。
It's a matter of my self-respect.
Face, honor, dignity. Often used in phrases like 面目を保つ (to save face) or 面目が立たない (to lose face).
To affect one's honor or dignity. Used when something would damage one's reputation or self-respect.
そんなことをしたら私の沽券にかかわる。
Doing that would damage my self-respect.
When self-respect prevents someone from doing something beneath them or acting shamefully.
To discipline oneself; to have self-respect enough to control one's actions. Implies a moral or ethical standard.
彼は自らを律して不正を働かなかった。
He had enough self-respect not to commit fraud.
Literally 'not to sell oneself cheaply'. Means not to compromise one's self-respect or dignity for short-term gain.
彼女は自分を安売りしない人だ。
She's someone with self-respect who doesn't sell herself short.
To know shame; to have a sense of shame that guides behavior. Implies self-respect through avoiding disgrace.
自尊心 (jisonshin) is a neutral term for self-esteem or self-respect, often used in psychology. プライド (puraido) is more about personal pride and can carry a nuance of arrogance or stubbornness. Use 自尊心 for healthy self-respect, and プライド when pride might be excessive.
Avoid directly translating 'self-respect' as 自己尊重 (jiko sonchō). While it exists, it is rarely used naturally. Stick to 自尊心 or 誇り depending on context.
彼は面目を保つために辞職した。
He resigned to save his self-respect.
恥を知る者ならそんなことはしない。
A person with self-respect wouldn't do such a thing.