Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 자만 | jaman | [t͡ɕa̠ma̠n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 자부심 | jabusim | [t͡ɕa̠buɕʰim] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 교만 | gyoman | [kjoma̠n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
In Korean, the word for pride changes significantly based on whether the feeling is positive or negative. Use 자부심 to describe positive pride, such as the satisfaction one feels regarding their abilities, accomplishments or membership in a group. Use 자만 to describe conceit or overconfidence in one's own abilities. For a more intense or extreme sense of arrogance, use 교만.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 자부심 is composed of 자, meaning self and 부심, meaning pride or feeling, literally translating to 'self-pride'.
Which one should you use?
The forms are distinguished by their emotional connotation: 자부심 represents positive pride or self-respect, while 자만 and 교만 carry negative meanings. Specifically, 자만 refers to conceit or being overconfident, whereas 교만 is a stronger, more formal term often used to describe an extreme or sinful sense of arrogance.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can create the common noun 자만심 to describe the psychological state of conceit by adding the suffix -심, meaning feeling or mind, to the word 자만.
How do you pronounce it?
jaman
Did you know?
- The word 자부심 was borrowed from the Japanese word jifushin before entering the Korean language.
- The term 교만 is so heavy with negative weight that it is frequently used in religious contexts to describe the sin of pride.
- Using 자만 instead of 자부심 when giving a compliment could unintentionally insult someone by implying they are being overconfident rather than accomplished.
Examples in context
- The artist's 자부심 was evident as she exhibited her masterpieces.The artist's pride was evident as she exhibited her masterpieces.
- After receiving the award, she felt a great sense of 뿌듯함 for all her hard work.After receiving the award, she felt a great sense of pride for all her hard work.
- Despite facing many hardships, she managed to maintain her 자존심.Despite facing many hardships, she managed to maintain her pride.
- The company's success was a source of great 자부심 for all its employees.The company's success was a source of great pride for all its employees.
- 그의 자만은 결국 화를 불렀다.geu-ui jaman-eun gyeol-guk hwa-reul bul-leot-da.His pride eventually brought trouble.
- 자만은 성장을 방해하는 큰 적이다.jaman-eun seong-jang-eul bang-hae-ha-neun keun jeok-i-da.Pride is a great enemy that hinders growth.
- 그는 자만하지 않고 늘 노력한다.geu-neun jaman-ha-ji an-go neul no-ryeok-han-da.He always works hard without being conceited.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a teammate's attitude at work.
- 지훈 Ji-hun그 팀장은 너무 자만이 심한 것 같아요.geu tim-jang-eun neo-mu jaman-i sim-han geot gat-a-yo.I think that team leader is too full of himself.
- 서연 Seo-yeon맞아요, 지훈 씨 말대로 정말 피곤해요.ma-ja-yo, ji-hun ssi mal-dae-ro jeong-mal pi-gon-hae-yo.You're right, it's really tiring just as you said, Jihoon.
- 지훈 Ji-hun서연 씨는 그런 태도가 문제라고 생각해요?seo-yeon ssi-neun geu-reon tae-do-ga mun-je-ra-go saeng-gak-hae-yo?Seoyeon, do you think that attitude is a problem?
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 주변 사람들을 무시하는 것 같아요.ne, ju-byeon sa-ram-deul-eul mu-si-ha-neun geot gat-a-yo.Yes, it feels like he ignores the people around him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pride” translations and entries 자만, 자부심, 교만, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 교만, 자만, 자부심, CC BY-SA 4.0.
