1.
self-respect, pride, self-esteem
A person's sense of their own worth and dignity. Can refer to healthy self-respect or to excessive pride that makes someone difficult to deal with.
自尊心が傷ついた。
My pride was hurt.
自尊心が高い人は謝るのが苦手だ。
People with high pride find it hard to apologize.
子どもの自尊心を育むことは教育において大切だ。
Nurturing children's self-esteem is important in education.
USAGE:
自尊心 can be either positive (healthy self-respect) or negative (excessive pride). Context determines the nuance. 自尊心が高い (having high self-esteem) can mean either confident and self-assured, or arrogant and unable to accept criticism.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- プライド: pride (loanword, similar meaning, slightly more casual)
- 誇り: pride in one's identity, heritage, or achievements
- 自尊心: specifically about one's sense of self-worth and dignity
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 自尊心が傷つく: one's pride is hurt
- 自尊心が高い: having high self-esteem/pride
- 自尊心を守る: to protect one's self-respect
- 自尊心を育む: to nurture self-esteem