Japanese word

自尊心

Pronunciation

Romajijisonshin

Meaning

  • nounself-esteem

Example

その言葉は彼の自尊心を傷つけます。so no koto ba wa kare no ji son shin o kizu tsu ke ma su

That remark hurts his self-esteem.

Illustration for 自尊心 (self-esteem)

More examples

人前で失敗しても、自尊心を失わないでください。hito mae de ship pai shi te mo ji son shin o ushina wa na i de ku da sa i

Please do not lose your self-esteem even if you fail in front of others.

Core concept

Refers to a person's basic sense of worth, especially the feeling that their abilities and character deserve respect.

Common phrases

  • 自尊心を傷つけるji son shin o kizu tsu ke ru

    hurt someone's self-esteem

  • 自尊心を守るji son shin o mamo ru

    protect one's self-esteem

  • 自尊心が高いji son shin ga taka i

    have high self-esteem

Similar words

自負jifu: A person's confidence in the value of their own abilities or character.
誇りhokori: A sense of honor or satisfaction linked to one's qualities, actions, or identity.
プライドpuraido: A feeling of personal value that may appear as confidence or concern for dignity.

Definition in Japanese

自分には価値があると認め、自分を尊重する気持ち。ji bun ni wa ka chi ga a ru to mito me ji bun o son chō su ru ki mo chi

Word origin

自 (ji, "oneself") combines with 尊 (son, "esteem") and 心 (shin, "heart or mind") to form a Sino-Japanese word for regard directed toward oneself.

Usage tips

  • English distinguishes self-esteem from self-respect in some contexts, with self-esteem focusing more on perceived personal worth and self-respect on protecting one's dignity.

Other meanings

  • self-respectnoun
  • pridenoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word