我慢
Meaning
Endurance; patiently bearing hardship or discomfort without complaint.
我慢 is a central virtue in Japanese culture, representing the ability to persevere through difficulty with dignity and composure. While traditionally praised, younger generations increasingly question whether excessive 我慢 leads to mental health issues. The word appears in contexts ranging from tolerating a boring meeting to enduring severe personal hardship.
Examples
- もう我慢できない、限界だよ。 I can't take it anymore, I've hit my limit.
- 子供の頃からずっと我慢してきたけど、もう無理。 I've been holding it all in since I was a kid, but I just can't anymore.
- あと少しだから我慢して、すぐ終わるから。 Hang in there a little longer — it'll be over soon.
Usage Guide
Context: daily life, workplace, parenting, self-discipline
Tone: stoic, determined, sometimes frustrated
Do Say
- ダイエット中だから甘いものは我慢する (I'm on a diet so I'm holding back on sweets)
- 我慢も大事だけど無理しないでね (Endurance is important but don't push yourself too hard)
Don't Say
- 辛い状況にいる人に「我慢しろ」とだけ言うのは冷たい (Just telling someone in pain to 'endure it' without empathy sounds cold)
Common Mistakes
- Treating 我慢 as always positive — excessive 我慢 is increasingly recognised as unhealthy, especially regarding mental health
- Confusing 我慢 with simple patience — it implies actively bearing something unpleasant, not just waiting
Origin & History
Originally a Buddhist term meaning 'pride' or 'arrogance' (from Sanskrit māna). Over centuries, the meaning shifted to 'endurance' and 'patience' in Japanese, reflecting the cultural value placed on stoic perseverance.
Cultural Context
Era: Buddhist origins, foundational Japanese cultural value
Generation: All ages (though younger generations are questioning its limits)
Social background: Universal
Regional notes: Used across all of Japan. One of the most frequently cited Japanese cultural concepts alongside 本音/建前 and もったいない.
Related Phrases
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