自己満足
jikomanzoku
The English phrase 'complacent' is translated into Japanese as 自己満足 (jikomanzoku).
自己満足 refers to being uncritically satisfied with oneself or one's achievements.
Meaning: uncritically satisfied with oneself or one's achievements (adj)
How do you pronounce it?
jikomanzoku
Did you know?
- The kanji 満 in 満足 originally depicted a vessel filled to the brim with water, symbolizing a state of being completely full.
- While 自己満足 is often negative in English, it can be used in Japanese to describe a harmless, private hobby that brings a person joy regardless of others' opinions.
- Japanese has a related concept called 慢心 (manshin), which describes a more aggressive form of complacency involving pride and looking down on others.
Examples in context
- 彼は自己満足に浸っていて、成長する意欲がない。He is complacent and lacks the motivation to grow.
- 成功しているからといって気を緩めずに努力を続けるべきだ。Even if you're successful, you should continue to make efforts without becoming complacent.
- 彼は自己満足に陥っている。Kare wa jiko manzoku ni ochitte iru.He is falling into self-complacency.
- 今の成績で自己満足してはいけない。Ima no seiseki de jiko manzoku shite wa ikenai.You must not be complacent with your current grades.
- それはただの自己満足だ。Sore wa tada no jiko manzoku da.That is just self-complacency.
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are discussing a project at school.
- 結衣 Yui今のままで十分だと思うよ。Ima no mama de juubun da to omou yo.I think it's good enough as it is.
- 陽太 Yotaそれは自己満足じゃないか？Sore wa jiko manzoku janai ka?Isn't that just being complacent?
- 結衣 Yuiそうかもしれないね。Sou kamo shirenai ne.You might be right.
- 陽太 Yotaもっと改善できるはずだよ。Motto kaizen dekiru hazu da yo.I'm sure we can improve it more.
