Japanese meaning of 自画自賛
Reading:
じがじさん (jiga jisan)
English Translation:
Pat oneself on the back / Self-praise
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
To boast about oneself or praise one's own achievements publicly, often with a lack of humility or modesty.
Cultural Context:
Originated in art critique, describing artists praising their own paintings. Now common in casual speech and media.
自分の能力や功績を自慢し、他人にアピールすること。謙虚さを欠き、自己中心的に見られることもあります。
絵画批評に由来し、自作を褒めることから、現代では日常会話やメディアでも広く使われる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase used with “する” to describe self-praise.
Trap for English Speakers
May be misunderstood as praise from others about one’s work.
Example
Basic Example
自画自賛だが、この作品は最高だ。
Self-praise it may be, but this is my best work.
Applied Example
「やっぱ俺、天才だな。」完全に自画自賛だった。
I really am a genius. It was pure self-praise.