Meaning and Usage
"うぬぼれ" refers to an excessive and often unjustified pride or conceit about oneself. It is a negative trait implying arrogance or hubris.
Common Contexts
This word is often used to describe someone who overestimates their own abilities or importance, which can lead to social isolation or failure.
Collocations and Patterns
- うぬぼれが強い: to be very conceited
- うぬぼれを捨てる: to abandon conceit
- うぬぼれに陥る: to fall into conceit
Register and Nuance
"うぬぼれ" is somewhat formal and literary, often found in written or serious spoken Japanese. It carries a critical tone and is not used lightly in casual conversation.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "うぬぼれ" with simple confidence. Remember, "うぬぼれ" implies an exaggerated or unwarranted pride, not healthy self-confidence.