胸(むね)を張(は)る

むねをはる
expression
to be proud, to hold one's head high
1. to be proud, to hold one's head high with confidence
To feel and display pride or confidence, often shown through upright posture.
自分(じぶん)の仕事(しごと)に胸(むね)を張(は)れる。
I can be proud of my work.
胸(むね)を張(は)って生(い)きていきたい。
I want to live with my head held high.
堂々(どうどう)と胸(むね)を張(は)って歩(ある)いた。
She walked confidently with her chest out.
胸(むね)を張(は)って言(い)えることだ。
It's something I can say proudly.

STRUCTURE: 胸(むね) (chest) + を + 張(は)る (to stretch out). Literally 'to stretch out one's chest' - the posture of pride.

NUANCE: Implies legitimate pride based on achievement or integrity, not arrogance. Often used to express:

  • Pride in one's work or accomplishments
  • Living without shame
  • Confidence in one's choices

POTENTIAL FORM: 胸(むね)を張(は)れる (can be proud) is very common

  • 胸(むね)を張(は)って言(い)える: can say proudly/confidently

RELATED EXPRESSIONS:

  • 誇(ほこ)りに思(おも)う (to feel proud)
  • 自信(じしん)を持(も)つ (to have confidence)
  • 堂々(どうどう)と (dignified, confidently)

OTHER 胸(むね) EXPRESSIONS:

  • 胸(むね)が痛(いた)む (to feel heartache)
  • 胸(むね)を打(う)つ (to be moving, touching)
  • 胸(むね)が一杯(いっぱい) (heart is full)
core
Added 2026.1.18 19:03 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
06500/06900_munewoharu