1.
pride, self-respect, professional dignity
A dignified sense of pride or self-respect, especially the kind maintained by professionals, craftspeople, or people of principle. A more literary and elevated word than 誇り.
職人としての矜持を持つ。
To have pride as a craftsperson.
矜持を捨てて頭を下げることはできなかった。
I could not throw away my pride and bow my head.
長年培ってきた料理人の矜持が、妥協を許さなかった。
The professional pride cultivated over many years as a chef would not allow any compromise.
USAGE:
A literary and formal word for pride. Unlike 誇り (general pride) or プライド (personal pride, often ego-driven), 矜持 carries a nuance of dignified self-respect rooted in one's profession, principles, or identity. Often used about professionals and craftspeople.
Also read きんじ in some contexts, though きょうじ is the standard modern reading.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 矜持を持つ: to have pride/dignity
- 矜持を守る: to protect one's dignity
- 矜持を捨てる: to abandon one's pride
- 職人の矜持: a craftsperson's professional pride