Proverb / Kotowaza
得手に鼻突く
To boast or show off about something one is good at.
the nose striking in one's specialty
Quick Answer
To boast or show off about something one is good at.
- Literal Image
- the nose striking in one's specialty
- How to Use It
- Used when someone is noticeably showing off a talent or skill. It carries a slightly critical tone toward the person's vanity.
Meaning
This expression describes the act of flaunting one's skills or specialties with pride. It comes from the image of holding one's nose high when feeling superior about a particular talent. Since the Edo period, it has been used to describe people who show off their abilities in a way that can be perceived as vain.
Literal Image
the nose striking in one's specialty
How to Use It
Used when someone is noticeably showing off a talent or skill. It carries a slightly critical tone toward the person's vanity.
Tone
Slightly critical of vanity.
Examples
彼は料理が得意で、客が来るたびに腕前を披露する。得手に鼻突くだが、その料理は確かに美味しい。
He is a great cook and shows off his skills every time guests come over. He boasts about his specialty, but his cooking is certainly delicious.
彼女は英語を話せることを誇示する癖がある。得手に鼻突くようで少し鼻につくが、実力は本物だ。
She has a habit of flaunting her English skills. It feels like she's showing off and is a bit annoying, but her ability is the real deal.
幼い頃から絵が得意で、得手に鼻突くように自分の作品を見せたがる子どもだった。
Since childhood, he was good at drawing and was the type of child who loved to show off his work with pride.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses the idiomatic combination of 'ete' (specialty) and 'hana tsuku' (boasting), which requires knowledge of figurative Japanese expressions.
得手
えて / ete
specialty; strong point
鼻突く
はなつく / hana tsuku
to hold one's nose high; to boast
Usage Profile
Usage note: This expression can be used to criticize someone's vanity or tendency to show off.
Misread Risk
Be careful not to confuse 'hana tsuku' here with the phrase 'hana ni tsuku' (to be annoying), though both relate to being put off by someone's behavior.
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Origin
The term 'ete' refers to a person's specialty or strong point, while 'hana tsuku' comes from the idea of holding one's nose high in pride. This expression has been used since the Edo period to describe the act of flaunting one's skills, with a slightly critical nuance toward such behavior.
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