承認欲求(しょうにんよっきゅう)

しょうにんよっきゅう
noun
need for approval; desire for recognition
cognitionemotionsociety
1. need for approval; desire for recognition
The psychological desire to be acknowledged, valued, or praised by others. A concept from psychology (originally linked to Maslow's hierarchy of needs) that has become popular in everyday Japanese, particularly in discussions about social media behavior and self-esteem.
承認欲求(しょうにんよっきゅう)が強(つよ)い。
To have a strong need for approval.
SNSへの投稿(とうこう)は、承認欲求(しょうにんよっきゅう)を満(み)たす手段(しゅだん)の一(ひと)つだ。
Posting on social media is one way to satisfy the need for approval.
承認欲求(しょうにんよっきゅう)を完全(かんぜん)に捨(す)てることは難(むずか)しいが、他人(たにん)の評価(ひょうか)に振(ふ)り回(まわ)されない生(い)き方(かた)を目指(めざ)したい。
It is hard to completely abandon the desire for recognition, but I want to aim for a way of living that is not swayed by others' evaluations.

Composed of 承認(しょうにん) (approval, acknowledgment) and 欲求(よっきゅう) (desire, need). Originally a psychology term, it has become a buzzword in contemporary Japanese, especially in conversations about social media (SNS), self-image, and mental health. The phrase often carries a slightly negative nuance, describing behavior driven by craving attention or validation.

Common collocations

  • 承認欲求(しょうにんよっきゅう)が強(つよ)い: to have a strong need for approval
  • 承認欲求(しょうにんよっきゅう)を満(み)たす: to satisfy one's need for recognition
  • 承認欲求(しょうにんよっきゅう)の塊(かたまり): a person full of craving for approval (critical)
  • 承認欲求(しょうにんよっきゅう)モンスター: approval-craving "monster" (slang)

Similar words

  • 自己顕示欲(じこけんじよく): desire for self-display — stronger, more negative; craving attention or to stand out
  • 自尊心(じそんしん): self-esteem, pride — internal sense of self-worth
  • 名誉欲(めいよよく): desire for fame or honor — closer to ambition
  • 虚栄心(きょえいしん): vanity — wanting to appear impressive to others

Related Words

Compare: 自尊心(じそんしん) (self-esteem, pride)
Compare: 虚栄心(きょえいしん) (vanity)
general
Added 2026.4.11 23:19 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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