うぬぼれ

• Reading: うぬぼれ
• Romaji: unubore
• Kanji breakdown: 自 (ji/shi) — self; 惚 (ko/bo) — to be charmed, to fall for
• Pronunciation: /ɯ.nɯ.bo.ɾe/

Meaning

Conceit; vanity; self-importance. An inflated opinion of oneself.

A noun (also used as the stem of うぬぼれる, to be conceited) describing excessive self-admiration. Written as 自惚れ in kanji but more commonly seen in hiragana. Often carries a negative connotation, implying someone overestimates their own abilities or attractiveness. うぬぼれが強い means 'very conceited.'

Examples

1. あの人はうぬぼれが強くて、周りから嫌われている。 That person is so full of themselves that everyone around them can't stand it.
2. 少し褒められただけでうぬぼれてはいけない。 Don't let a little praise go to your head.
3. 自分の実力を過信するのは、ただのうぬぼれだ。 Overestimating your own abilities is just plain conceit.

Usage Guide

Context: criticism, self-reflection, interpersonal

Tone: negative

Origin & History

From 自 (unu, self) + 惚れる (boreru, to fall in love with). Literally 'falling in love with oneself.' The kanji writing 自惚れ makes the self-admiring meaning explicit.

Cultural Context

Era: Historical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal