誇る

• Reading: ほこる
• Romaji: hokoru
• Kanji breakdown: 誇 (hoko/ko) — to boast, be proud of, take pride in
• Pronunciation: /ho.ko.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To boast of; to be proud of; to take pride in. Used for expressing pride in achievements, qualities, or possessions.

A Group 1 (godan) transitive verb. Can be positive (taking justified pride) or negative (boasting arrogantly) depending on context. The noun form 誇り (hokori, pride) is very common. Often used with を to mark what one is proud of. Distinct from 自慢する which leans more toward bragging.

Examples

1. 日本は世界に誇る技術力を持っている。 Japan has technological capabilities it can be proud of on the world stage.
2. 彼女は自分の仕事に誇りを持っている。 She takes pride in her work.
3. この地域は長い歴史を誇る温泉地だ。 This area is a hot spring resort boasting a long history.

Usage Guide

Context: achievements, national pride, descriptions

Tone: positive

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 誇 combines 言 (words) with 夸 (to boast), literally meaning 'to speak proudly.' Has been used since classical literature.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal