Proverb / Kotowaza
自慢高慢馬鹿の内
Boasting and acting arrogant are foolish behaviors.
Boasting and arrogance are among the traits of a fool.
Quick Answer
Boasting and acting arrogant are foolish behaviors.
- Literal Image
- Boasting and arrogance are among the traits of a fool.
- Closest Equivalent
- Pride goes before a fall.
- How to Use It
- Used to warn someone who is being overly boastful, or to criticize a lack of humility after a success.
Meaning
This proverb serves as a warning to those who forget the importance of humility. It states that bragging about one's achievements and behaving arrogantly are ultimately foolish actions.
Literal Image
Boasting and arrogance are among the traits of a fool.
Equivalent Proverbs
Pride goes before a fall.
Both expressions warn against the dangers of arrogance and boasting.
How to Use It
Used to warn someone who is being overly boastful, or to criticize a lack of humility after a success.
Tone
Critical and cautionary.
Examples
成功したからといって周りに自慢ばかりしていると、「自慢高慢馬鹿の内」と周囲から見られてしまう。
Just because you succeeded, if you constantly brag to those around you, people will look at you and think, 'boasting and arrogance are the traits of a fool.'
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses straightforward vocabulary for boasting and foolishness, linked with simple noun-modifying grammar.
自慢
じまん / jiman
boasting, pride
高慢
こうまん / koman
arrogance, haughtiness
馬鹿
ばか / baka
fool, foolishness
内
うち / uchi
among, within
Usage Profile
Usage note: Carries a direct criticism of someone's character; avoid using it as a lighthearted joke.
Misread Risk
Do not interpret this merely as an observation about fools; it is an active warning to remain humble regardless of success.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
This proverb serves as an admonition that boasting and an arrogant attitude are foolish. In Japan, humility is considered a virtue, and there are many expressions admonishing boastful behavior, with this being one of the representative examples.
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
Topics
Situations
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Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.