Meaning and Usage
"自慢" (じまん) means "pride" or "boast" and is often used when someone talks proudly about something they have or have achieved. It can be used both as a noun and a verb (自慢する).
Common Contexts
People use 自慢 when they want to express pride in their possessions, skills, or achievements. It can be positive when sharing something admirable, but it can also have a negative nuance if someone is bragging too much.
Collocations and Patterns
- 自慢する: to boast or brag
- 自慢の～: one's pride or something one is proud of
- 自慢話: boastful talk
Register and Nuance
自慢 is generally neutral but can sound boastful or arrogant depending on tone and context. Be careful not to overuse it in polite conversation.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 自慢 with 褒める (to praise). 自慢 is about boasting oneself, while 褒める is praising others or something else.