(こけん)

こけん
noun
dignity, reputation, self-respect
1. dignity, reputation, self-respect, pride
One's sense of personal worth or dignity. Almost exclusively used in the expression 沽券(こけん)(かか)わる (to affect one's dignity).
沽券(こけん)(かか)わる
to affect one's dignity/reputation
(おとこ)沽券(こけん)(かか)わる。
It affects my pride as a man.
プロ(ぷろ)としての沽券(こけん)(かか)わるので、()()くわけにはいかない。
As it would affect my professional dignity, I cannot cut corners.

USAGE: Almost always appears in the fixed expression 沽券(こけん)(かか)わる (to affect one's dignity/reputation). Rarely used outside this expression.

ETYMOLOGY: Originally meant a sales document or deed. The modern meaning of "dignity" developed from the idea that selling something below its value diminishes its worth.

NUANCE: 沽券(こけん)(かか)わる is used when something threatens one's professional pride, personal honor, or self-respect. Often used by men to express matters of masculine pride.

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • 沽券(こけん)(かか)わる (to affect one's dignity)
  • (おとこ)/(おんな)沽券(こけん) (a man's/woman's dignity)
  • プロ(ぷろ)としての沽券(こけん) (professional dignity)

RELATED WORDS:

  • 面目(めんぼく) (face, honor)
  • 体面(たいめん) (honor, dignity)
  • {プライド} (pride - loanword)