ナルシスト

• Reading: ナルシスト
• Romaji: narushisuto
• Kanji breakdown: From German 'Narzisst' / English 'narcissist' — a person excessively in love with themselves
• Pronunciation: /na.ɾɯ.ɕi.sɯ.to/

Meaning

A narcissist or someone who is excessively self-obsessed — particularly about their appearance or abilities.

ナルシスト (from English 'narcissist' via German 'Narzisst') describes someone who is overly in love with themselves. In Japanese usage, it particularly targets people who are obsessed with their own appearance — constantly checking mirrors, taking excessive selfies, or talking about how attractive they are. It can be used both as a genuine criticism and as playful teasing, but always implies the person's self-regard is excessive.

Examples

1. あの人、鏡見るたびにポーズ取るとかナルシストすぎない？ That person strikes a pose every time they see a mirror — isn't that super narcissistic?
2. ナルシストな上司の自慢話に毎日付き合わされてる。 I'm stuck listening to my narcissistic boss brag every single day.
3. 自撮り加工しまくりのナルシストとは付き合えない。 I can't date a narcissist who edits all their selfies to death.

Usage Guide

Context: friends, social media, casual conversation

Tone: mocking, critical, amused

Do Say

• あの人ナルシストだから褒めるとすぐ調子乗る。 (That person is a narcissist, so if you compliment them they immediately get cocky.)
• 自分のことナルシストだと思う？ (Do you think I'm a narcissist?)

Don't Say

• 身だしなみに気を遣ってる人に「ナルシスト」は失礼 — おしゃれと自己愛は違う (Calling someone who takes care of their appearance a 'narcissist' is rude — being stylish and being self-obsessed are different)

Common Mistakes

• Spelling/saying ナルシシスト (extra シ) — the correct form is ナルシスト
• Using ナルシスト for clinical narcissism in casual conversation — in Japanese it is usually lighter than the clinical diagnosis

Origin & History

From the Greek myth of Narcissus, borrowed into Japanese via German 'Narzisst' as ナルシスト. Has been used in Japanese since the mid-20th century, with casual slang usage becoming more common with the rise of selfie culture.

Cultural Context

Era: Mid-20th century loanword, casual use expanded with selfie culture

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal informal

Regional notes: Used nationwide. The short form ナルシ is occasionally heard among younger speakers.