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A2 noun 8 min read

자만심

jamanism
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 자만심 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 자만심 in your Level:
At the A1 CEFR level, learners are just beginning to learn Korean. They can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. They can introduce themselves and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where they live and people they know. They can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help. The concept of '자만심' is too abstract and complex for this level.
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At the A2 CEFR level, learners can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). They can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. They can describe in simple terms aspects of their background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need. While '자만심' is a complex concept, learners at A2 might begin to encounter it in simple contexts, perhaps as a character trait described in very basic terms in stories or dialogues, though they would likely not be able to use it actively or fully grasp its nuances.
At the B1 CEFR level, learners can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. They can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. They can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. They can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. At this level, learners can understand and begin to use '자만심' in more complex sentences, recognizing its negative connotation and its use in describing character flaws or reasons for failure.
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At the B2 CEFR level, learners can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialisation. They can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. They can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. Learners at B2 can fully understand and utilize '자만심' in nuanced discussions, analyzing its impact on individuals and society, and comparing it with related concepts.
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At the C1 CEFR level, learners can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. They can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. They can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. They can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. At C1, '자만심' would be understood in its full depth, including its psychological and societal implications, and could be used precisely in sophisticated arguments and analyses.
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At the C2 CEFR level, learners have a near-native command of the language. They can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. They can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. They can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations. At C2, '자만심' would be understood in all its idiomatic, cultural, and psychological dimensions, and could be used with the utmost precision and creativity in any context.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

자만심 in 30 Seconds

  • 자만심 means excessive pride or arrogance.
  • It describes someone who thinks too highly of themselves.
  • This can lead to negative perceptions and actions.
  • Be careful not to let 자만심 cloud your judgment.

The Korean word 자만심 (jaman-sim) translates to 'excessive pride,' 'conceit,' or 'arrogance' in English. It's used to describe a person who has an inflated sense of their own importance, abilities, or achievements. This often leads them to believe they are superior to others and can make them unwilling to listen to advice or admit mistakes. People use this term when they observe someone exhibiting haughty behavior, overconfidence, or a lack of humility.

Usage Context
You might hear '자만심' used in discussions about character flaws, leadership failures, or interpersonal conflicts. It's a critical term, implying that the excessive pride is a negative trait that can hinder personal growth or lead to downfall. For instance, a coach might warn a star player against letting their '자만심' affect their performance, or a historian might analyze a leader's downfall as a result of their '자만심'. The term carries a strong negative connotation, suggesting a lack of self-awareness and an unhealthy focus on self-importance.
Nuance
While pride in one's accomplishments is generally positive, '자만심' specifically refers to the unhealthy, excessive kind. It's the kind of pride that makes someone dismissive of others, unwilling to learn, and prone to making careless errors due to overconfidence. It’s the opposite of humility, which is highly valued in Korean culture. Therefore, exhibiting '자만심' is often seen as a significant character flaw, leading to social disapproval and personal setbacks.

그의 자만심 때문에 아무도 그의 말을 듣지 않았다. (His arrogance meant no one listened to him.)

Imagine a student who consistently scores high on tests. If they start believing they are the smartest person in the class and stop studying, thinking they already know everything, that's '자만심'. They are so proud of their past successes that they neglect future preparation. Similarly, an athlete who wins a few matches might start underestimating their opponents, leading to a loss. This overestimation of their own prowess, fueled by past victories, is '자만심'. It's not just confidence; it's an excessive, often unfounded, belief in one's own superiority that blinds them to reality and potential dangers.

Cultural Significance
In many East Asian cultures, including Korea, there's a strong emphasis on collectivism and humility. Individual achievements are often attributed to group effort or external factors rather than solely to personal merit. Therefore, excessive self-praise or an overt display of superiority, characteristic of '자만심', is generally frowned upon. It can be seen as a sign of immaturity or a lack of social grace. Conversely, demonstrating modesty and acknowledging the contributions of others are highly respected traits. When someone displays '자만심', it can damage their reputation and relationships, as it signals an unwillingness to cooperate or learn from others.

Using 자만심 (jaman-sim) correctly involves understanding its negative connotation and applying it to situations where excessive pride is evident. It often appears with verbs like '가지다' (to have), '보이다' (to show), '생기다' (to arise), or '버리다' (to discard/get rid of). It can also be used in phrases describing the consequences of such pride.

Basic Sentence Structures
1. [Subject]는 자만심이 강하다. ([Subject] has strong arrogance.)
2. [Subject]는 자만심에 빠졌다. ([Subject] fell into arrogance.)
3. 자만심 때문에 [Consequence]. (Because of arrogance, [Consequence].)

그 젊은 사업가는 자만심을 버리지 못하고 결국 실패했다. (The young businessman could not get rid of his arrogance and eventually failed.)

When describing someone's character, you can say:

Character Description
그는 자신의 능력에 대한 자만심이 지나치다. (His arrogance about his own abilities is excessive.)
그녀는 성공 후 자만심에 사로잡혔다. (After her success, she became consumed by arrogance.)

To express the negative consequences:

Consequences
그의 자만심은 결국 그의 발목을 잡았다. (His arrogance ultimately held him back.)
겉으로는 겸손해 보였지만, 속으로는 자만심이 가득했다. (Although he appeared humble on the outside, he was full of arrogance on the inside.)

You'll encounter the word 자만심 (jaman-sim) in various everyday and formal contexts, often when people are discussing character, behavior, or the reasons behind success or failure.

Discussions about People
In casual conversations, friends might comment on someone's behavior: '요즘 그 친구 자만심이 너무 심해졌어.' (Lately, that friend's arrogance has become too severe.) This implies the friend is acting superior or boastful.
Media and Entertainment
Dramas and movies frequently use '자만심' to characterize villains or flawed protagonists. A common trope is a character whose downfall is directly attributed to their overwhelming '자만심'. For example, a news report might analyze a politician's failed campaign by saying, '그의 자만심이 선거 패배의 주요 원인이었다.' (His arrogance was a major cause of the election defeat.)
Workplace and Professional Settings
In a professional environment, a manager might caution an employee: '자만심을 가지지 말고 항상 배우려는 자세를 유지하세요.' (Don't have arrogance; always maintain an attitude of wanting to learn.) This highlights the importance of humility in career growth.
Self-Reflection and Advice
People often use this word when giving advice or reflecting on their own past mistakes. '과거의 내 자만심 때문에 좋은 기회를 놓쳤어.' (I missed a good opportunity because of my past arrogance.)

스포츠 경기에서 승리 후 선수들은 자만심에 빠지지 않도록 주의해야 한다. (After winning a sports match, players must be careful not to fall into arrogance.)

When learning 자만심 (jaman-sim), English speakers might make a few common errors, often stemming from direct translation or misunderstanding its negative nuance.

Mistake 1: Confusing with Confidence
Error: Using '자만심' to describe healthy self-confidence or pride in genuine achievements.
Explanation: '자만심' is specifically about *excessive* pride, often to the point of arrogance or delusion. Healthy confidence is usually described with words like '자신감' (jasin-gam). For example, saying '그는 자만심이 강한 선수야' (He is a player with strong arrogance) is different from '그는 자신감이 넘치는 선수야' (He is a player full of confidence).
Mistake 2: Overuse in Positive Contexts
Error: Applying '자만심' where a more neutral or positive term is appropriate.
Explanation: If someone is simply proud of a job well done and remains humble, it's not '자만심'. Using '자만심' would incorrectly imply they are boastful or arrogant. Always consider if the pride is excessive and potentially harmful.
Mistake 3: Literal Translation of Phrases
Error: Translating English idioms involving pride directly into Korean using '자만심'.
Explanation: For instance, 'pride before a fall' might seem like a direct application of '자만심', but the Korean expression might be different or more nuanced. It's better to understand the context and meaning rather than just swapping words. For example, instead of saying '자만심이 곧 몰락이다' (Arrogance is downfall), a more natural Korean expression might be used depending on the specific situation.

실력 있는 사람도 자만심 때문에 실수를 할 수 있다. (Even a skilled person can make mistakes due to arrogance.)

Understanding words similar to 자만심 (jaman-sim) helps to grasp its specific nuance. While they might all relate to self-perception, their connotations and usage differ significantly.

자신감 (jasin-gam)
Meaning: Confidence, self-assurance.
Comparison: This is a positive word. It refers to a healthy belief in one's abilities. '자신감' is essential for success, whereas '자만심' is detrimental. You can have '자신감' without having '자만심'.
Example: 그는 중요한 발표를 앞두고 자신감을 보였다. (He showed confidence before the important presentation.)
긍지 (geungji)
Meaning: Pride (in achievements, heritage, etc.), self-respect.
Comparison: '긍지' is also generally positive. It's a sense of satisfaction and honor derived from one's own or associated achievements. It's about feeling good about what you've done or who you are, without necessarily looking down on others. '자만심' is about feeling superior.
Example: 우리는 우리나라 역사에 큰 긍지를 느낀다. (We feel great pride in our country's history.)
오만 (oman)
Meaning: Arrogance, haughtiness, conceit.
Comparison: '오만' is very close to '자만심' and often used interchangeably. Both denote excessive pride and a feeling of superiority. '자만심' might sometimes emphasize the internal feeling of pride more, while '오만' can refer more directly to the outward display of arrogance.
Example: 그의 오만한 태도는 사람들을 불쾌하게 만들었다. (His arrogant attitude made people uncomfortable.)
교만 (gyoman)
Meaning: Arrogance, conceit (often with religious or moralistic undertones).
Comparison: '교만' is similar to '오만' and '자만심' but often carries a stronger moral or religious judgment, implying pride that goes against divine will or moral principles. It is frequently used in religious contexts to describe a sin.
Example: 교만은 패망의 선봉이요 거만한 마음은 넘어짐의 앞잡이니라. (Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. - Proverbs 16:18)

성공 후 자만심이 생기는 것은 자연스러울 수 있지만, 오만으로 이어지지 않도록 조심해야 한다. (It can be natural to develop arrogance after success, but one must be careful not to let it lead to haughtiness.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The concept of being 'full of oneself' is universal, but the specific combination of these Hanja characters gives '자만심' its distinct Korean meaning of excessive, often detrimental, self-pride. It emphasizes the internal state of being overflowing with one's own perceived importance.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /d͡ʑa.man.ɕim/
US /d͡ʑa.man.ɕim/
The primary stress falls on the first syllable: 자 (ja).
Rhymes With
난 반 산 만 판 탄 찬 칸 탐 밤 잠 점 좀 춤 품 숨 음 힘 침 팀 킴 힘 힘 팀 킴
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing '자' as 'za' instead of the softer 'ja' sound.
  • Pronouncing '심' as 'sim' with a hard 's' instead of the softer 'shim' sound.
  • Incorrectly stressing the second or third syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

At the A2 level, learners will encounter '자만심' in simple narratives or dialogues. Understanding its negative connotation requires grasping context. Longer or more complex texts discussing psychological aspects or nuanced character analyses would be challenging.

Writing 3/5
Speaking 3/5
Listening 3/5

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

자신감 (confidence) 자랑 (pride/boast) 성공 (success) 실패 (failure) 사람 (person)

Learn Next

겸손 (humility) 오만 (arrogance) 독선 (self-righteousness) 허세 (bluff/showing off) 자기 성찰 (self-reflection)

Advanced

심리 (psychology) 성격 (personality) 인간 본성 (human nature) 사회적 관계 (social relationships) 리더십 (leadership)

Grammar to Know

Using the particle '때문에' (because of) to indicate cause.

그의 자만심 때문에 팀워크가 깨졌다. (Because of his arrogance, teamwork was broken.)

Using the verb '빠지다' (to fall) with abstract nouns like '자만심' to describe entering a state.

그는 성공 후 자만심에 빠졌다. (He fell into arrogance after success.)

Using adjectives like '지나친' (excessive) to modify abstract nouns.

지나친 자만심은 위험하다. (Excessive arrogance is dangerous.)

Using the verb '드러나다' (to be revealed) or '보이다' (to be shown) to describe the manifestation of a trait.

그의 말에서 자만심이 드러났다. (Arrogance was revealed in his words.)

Using the verb phrase '~을/를 경계하다' (to guard against, to be wary of).

성공할수록 자만심을 경계해야 한다. (The more successful you become, the more you must guard against arrogance.)

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Examples by Level

1

그 사람 자만심이 좀 있는 것 같아요.

That person seems to have a bit of arrogance.

The particle '좀' softens the statement, implying 'a bit' or 'somewhat'.

2

성공했다고 자만심에 빠지면 안 돼요.

You shouldn't fall into arrogance just because you succeeded.

'~면 안 돼요' means 'should not do ~'.

3

그의 자만심 때문에 친구들이 멀어졌어요.

Because of his arrogance, his friends drifted away.

'~ 때문에' means 'because of'.

4

겸손한 태도가 자만심보다 좋아요.

A humble attitude is better than arrogance.

Simple comparison using '~보다'. '좋아요' means 'is good'.

5

그는 항상 자기 자신을 최고라고 생각하는 자만심이 있어요.

He always has the arrogance of thinking he is the best.

Describes a characteristic ('~이/가 있어요').

6

성공하면 자만심이 생기기 쉽습니다.

It's easy to develop arrogance when you succeed.

'~기 쉽습니다' means 'it is easy to ~'.

7

그녀는 자만심을 부리지 않고 열심히 일했어요.

She worked hard without showing off her arrogance.

'~을/를 부리다' means 'to show off' or 'to display'.

8

너무 자만심이 강하면 다른 사람의 말을 듣지 않아요.

If arrogance is too strong, you don't listen to others.

Conditional sentence structure: '~하면 ~않아요'.

1

뛰어난 실력에도 불구하고 그의 자만심 때문에 기회를 놓치는 경우가 많았다.

Despite his excellent skills, he often missed opportunities due to his arrogance.

'~에도 불구하고' means 'despite'. '~는 경우가 많았다' means 'often happened'.

2

그는 자신의 성공을 자만심의 발현이라고 생각했다.

He thought of his success as a manifestation of his arrogance.

'~의 발현' means 'manifestation of ~'.

3

리더는 자만심을 경계하고 항상 겸손함을 유지해야 한다.

A leader must be wary of arrogance and always maintain humility.

'~을/를 경계하다' means 'to be wary of'. '~해야 한다' means 'must do'.

4

그의 자만심은 팀워크를 해치는 주된 요인이었다.

His arrogance was the main factor that harmed teamwork.

'~을/를 해치다' means 'to harm'. '~는 주된 요인이었다' means 'was the main factor'.

5

진정한 전문가라면 자만심을 버리고 끊임없이 배우려 할 것이다.

A true expert would discard arrogance and constantly try to learn.

'~려 할 것이다' expresses a future intention or tendency.

6

그녀는 자만심으로 가득 찬 사람들과 어울리지 않았다.

She did not associate with people full of arrogance.

'~으로 가득 차다' means 'to be full of ~'.

7

과거의 성공에 안주하는 것은 자만심으로 가는 지름길이다.

Resting on past successes is a shortcut to arrogance.

'~에 안주하다' means 'to be content with ~'. '~으로 가는 지름길이다' means 'is a shortcut to ~'.

8

그는 자신의 판단에 대한 자만심 때문에 잘못된 결정을 내렸다.

He made a wrong decision due to arrogance in his own judgment.

'~에 대한 ~ 때문에' means 'due to ~ regarding ~'.

1

그의 연설은 통찰력이 있었지만, 자만심이 엿보이는 부분이 있어 아쉬웠다.

Although his speech was insightful, it was disappointing because parts of it showed glimpses of arrogance.

'~이/가 엿보이다' means 'to be glimpsed' or 'to be visible'.

2

성공한 기업가일수록 자만심을 경계하고 끊임없이 자기 계발에 힘써야 한다.

The more successful an entrepreneur is, the more they must guard against arrogance and constantly strive for self-development.

'~일수록' means 'the more ~'.

3

그녀는 자만심을 드러내지 않으면서도 자신의 의견을 명확하게 주장했다.

She clearly asserted her opinion without revealing her arrogance.

'~을/를 드러내다' means 'to reveal'. '~면서도' means 'while also'.

4

역사적으로 많은 위대한 인물들이 자만심 때문에 몰락했다는 것을 우리는 기억해야 한다.

We must remember that historically, many great figures fell due to arrogance.

'~다는 것을 기억해야 한다' means 'must remember that ~'.

5

그의 작품은 독창적이었지만, 자만심이 과도하게 느껴져 비평가들의 혹평을 받았다.

His work was original, but it received harsh criticism from reviewers because excessive arrogance was felt.

'~이/가 과도하게 느껴지다' means 'to be felt excessively'.

6

성공의 달콤함에 취해 자만심에 빠지는 것은 매우 위험한 일이다.

It is a very dangerous thing to become drunk on the sweetness of success and fall into arrogance.

'~에 취하다' means 'to be drunk on ~'. '~는 일이다' means 'is a thing/matter'.

7

그는 자만심을 극복하고 동료들과 협력하는 법을 배워야 했다.

He had to overcome his arrogance and learn how to cooperate with his colleagues.

'~을/를 극복하다' means 'to overcome'. '~는 법을 배우다' means 'to learn how to ~'.

8

자신의 지식에 대한 자만심은 오히려 배움의 장애물이 될 수 있다.

Arrogance about one's own knowledge can rather become an obstacle to learning.

'~은/는 ~이/가 될 수 있다' means 'can become ~'.

1

그의 논문은 혁신적이었으나, 일부에서는 그의 자만심이 연구 윤리를 훼손했다는 비판이 제기되었다.

Although his thesis was innovative, some raised criticisms that his arrogance undermined research ethics.

'~이/가 제기되다' means 'to be raised' (as in criticism).

2

성공에 도취된 지도자들이 자만심에 휩싸여 현실을 직시하지 못하는 경우가 허다하다.

It is common for leaders intoxicated by success to be engulfed in arrogance and unable to face reality.

'~에 도취되다' means 'to be intoxicated by ~'. '~는 경우가 허다하다' means 'it is common/frequent'.

3

그는 자신의 예술적 재능에 대한 자만심 때문에 동료 예술가들과의 협업을 거부했다.

He refused collaboration with fellow artists due to arrogance about his artistic talent.

'~에 대한 ~ 때문에' means 'due to ~ regarding ~'.

4

진정한 리더십은 자만심을 극복하고 끊임없이 배우려는 자세에서 비롯된다.

True leadership stems from overcoming arrogance and maintaining an attitude of constant learning.

'~을/를 극복하고 ~하려는 자세에서 비롯되다' means 'stems from overcoming ~ and maintaining an attitude of ~'.

5

그녀의 겸손함은 자만심을 경계하는 동시에, 자신의 성취에 대한 긍지를 잃지 않는 균형 잡힌 태도를 보여준다.

Her humility shows a balanced attitude, being wary of arrogance while not losing pride in her achievements.

'~을/를 경계하는 동시에 ~을/를 잃지 않는' means 'while being wary of ~ and not losing ~'.

6

역사적 인물의 몰락을 분석할 때, 그의 자만심이 결정적인 요인이었는지 고찰해야 한다.

When analyzing the downfall of a historical figure, we must consider whether his arrogance was the decisive factor.

'~이/가 결정적인 요인이었는지 고찰하다' means 'to consider whether ~ was the decisive factor'.

7

성공에 대한 과도한 확신은 자만심으로 변질되어 위험한 결과를 초래할 수 있다.

Excessive certainty about success can degenerate into arrogance and lead to dangerous outcomes.

'~으로 변질되다' means 'to degenerate into ~'. '~는 결과를 초래하다' means 'to lead to outcomes'.

8

그는 자신의 직관에 대한 자만심 때문에 전문가들의 조언을 무시했다.

He ignored the experts' advice due to arrogance in his own intuition.

'~에 대한 ~ 때문에' means 'due to ~ regarding ~'.

1

그의 예술 세계는 독창적이었으나, 비평가들은 그의 작품 전반에 흐르는 자만심의 그림자를 지적하며 그의 진정한 예술성을 의심했다.

His artistic world was original, but critics pointed to the shadow of arrogance permeating his works, doubting his true artistry.

'~ 전반에 흐르는 ~의 그림자' means 'the shadow of ~ permeating ~'.

2

권력의 정점에 선 지도자들은 종종 자만심이라는 함정에 빠져 현실 왜곡과 독단적인 결정을 내리곤 한다.

Leaders at the pinnacle of power often fall into the trap of arrogance, leading to distorted reality and arbitrary decisions.

'~이라는 함정에 빠지다' means 'to fall into the trap of ~'.

3

그녀는 자신의 성공을 결코 자만심의 결과로 치부하지 않았으며, 항상 겸손한 자세를 견지했다.

She never dismissed her success as a result of arrogance, and always maintained a humble attitude.

'~으로 치부하다' means 'to dismiss as ~'. '~한 자세를 견지하다' means 'to maintain an attitude'.

4

역사적 쇠퇴의 징후를 분석할 때, 종종 공동체 전체를 잠식하는 자만심의 만연을 간과할 수 없다.

When analyzing the signs of historical decline, the prevalence of arrogance that often erodes the entire community cannot be overlooked.

'~을/를 잠식하다' means 'to erode'. '~의 만연' means 'prevalence of ~'.

5

그의 작품은 기술적으로 완벽에 가까웠으나, 비평가들은 그 안에 내재된 자만심이 예술의 진정성을 희석시킨다고 평했다.

His work was technically close to perfect, but critics commented that the inherent arrogance within it diluted the authenticity of the art.

'~ 안에 내재된 ~이/가 ~을/를 희석시키다' means 'inherent ~ within ~ dilutes ~'.

6

성공의 달콤함에 취해 자만심의 덫에 걸려드는 것은, 인간 본성의 취약성을 여실히 보여주는 사례이다.

Falling into the trap of arrogance, intoxicated by the sweetness of success, is a case that clearly shows the vulnerability of human nature.

'~의 덫에 걸려들다' means 'to fall into the trap of ~'. '~을/를 여실히 보여주다' means 'to clearly show'.

7

그는 자신의 천재성에 대한 자만심으로 인해, 동시대의 다른 혁신가들과의 건설적인 대화를 거부했다.

Due to arrogance about his genius, he refused constructive dialogue with other contemporary innovators.

'~에 대한 ~으로 인해' means 'due to ~ regarding ~'.

8

진정한 지혜는 자만심의 허울을 벗어던지고, 끊임없는 자기 성찰과 겸손한 자세를 통해 얻어진다.

True wisdom is obtained by shedding the pretense of arrogance and through constant self-reflection and a humble attitude.

'~의 허울을 벗어던지다' means 'to shed the pretense of ~'. '~을 통해 얻어지다' means 'is obtained through ~'.

Common Collocations

자만심에 빠지다 (jaman-sim-e ppajida)
자만심이 강하다 (jaman-sim-i ganghada)
자만심을 버리다 (jaman-sim-eul beorida)
자만심 때문에 (jaman-sim ttaemun-e)
자만심이 드러나다 (jaman-sim-i deureonada)
자만심을 경계하다 (jaman-sim-eul gyeonggyehada)
자만심을 극복하다 (jaman-sim-eul geukbokada)
지나친 자만심 (jinachin jaman-sim)
자만심에 사로잡히다 (jaman-sim-e sapojapida)
자만심을 부리다 (jaman-sim-eul burida)

Common Phrases

자만심에 빠지다

— To fall into arrogance; to become conceited.

성공했다고 해서 자만심에 빠지면 안 됩니다. (You shouldn't fall into arrogance just because you succeeded.)

자만심이 강하다

— To have strong arrogance; to be very arrogant.

그는 자만심이 너무 강해서 다른 사람의 말을 잘 듣지 않아요. (He has too much arrogance, so he doesn't listen to others well.)

자만심 때문에

— Because of arrogance.

자만심 때문에 그는 큰 실수를 저질렀습니다. (Because of arrogance, he made a big mistake.)

자만심을 버리다

— To discard arrogance; to become humble.

진정한 성장을 위해서는 자만심을 버릴 필요가 있습니다. (For true growth, it is necessary to discard arrogance.)

지나친 자만심

— Excessive arrogance; overconfidence.

지나친 자만심은 모든 것을 망칠 수 있습니다. (Excessive arrogance can ruin everything.)

자만심이 드러나다

— Arrogance is revealed; arrogance shows.

그의 행동에서 자만심이 엿보였다. (Arrogance was glimpsed in his actions.)

자만심을 극복하다

— To overcome arrogance.

자신과의 싸움에서 자만심을 극복하는 것이 가장 중요합니다. (Overcoming arrogance in the fight against oneself is most important.)

자만심을 경계하다

— To be wary of arrogance; to guard against arrogance.

성공할수록 자만심을 경계해야 합니다. (The more successful you become, the more you must guard against arrogance.)

자만심에 사로잡히다

— To be seized by arrogance; to be consumed by conceit.

성공의 순간에 자만심에 사로잡히기 쉽습니다. (It's easy to be seized by arrogance in the moment of success.)

자만심이 하늘을 찌르다

— Arrogance that pierces the sky (idiomatic expression for extreme arrogance).

그는 자만심이 하늘을 찌를 정도로 오만했다. (He was so arrogant that his arrogance pierced the sky.)

Often Confused With

자만심 vs 자신감 (jasin-gam)

자신감 is healthy confidence, a positive belief in one's abilities. 자만심 is excessive, often unfounded pride that can lead to negative outcomes. It's crucial to distinguish between the two.

자만심 vs 긍지 (geungji)

긍지 refers to pride in achievements or identity, generally a positive feeling of self-respect. 자만심, however, is about feeling superior to others and often involves looking down on them.

자만심 vs 오만 (oman)

오만 is very similar to 자만심 and often used interchangeably. Both mean arrogance. Sometimes, 오만 might refer more to the outward display of arrogance, while 자만심 emphasizes the internal feeling of being full of oneself.

Idioms & Expressions

"자만심이 하늘을 찌르다"

— Arrogance that pierces the sky. This idiom describes someone who is extremely arrogant, to the point where their pride seems boundless and overwhelming.

그는 자신의 능력을 너무 과신하여 자만심이 하늘을 찔렀다. (He overestimated his abilities so much that his arrogance pierced the sky.)

Formal to Literary
"자만심에 눈이 멀다"

— To be blinded by arrogance. This idiom suggests that excessive pride prevents someone from seeing the truth, reality, or their own flaws.

성공에 도취되어 자만심에 눈이 멀었다. (He was intoxicated by success and blinded by arrogance.)

Neutral to Formal
"자만심으로 가득 차다"

— To be filled with arrogance. This phrase describes a person who is completely consumed by their own pride and self-importance.

그는 마치 세상의 전부인 것처럼 자만심으로 가득 차 있었다. (He was filled with arrogance as if he were the center of the universe.)

Neutral
"자만심을 딛고 일어서다"

— To rise up by stepping on arrogance. This idiom implies overcoming one's own excessive pride and using that experience as a foundation for growth or success.

실패를 통해 자만심을 딛고 일어서는 것이 중요하다. (It is important to rise up by stepping on arrogance through failure.)

Formal
"자만심이 화근이 되다"

— Arrogance becomes the root of trouble. This idiom highlights how excessive pride can lead to negative consequences and problems.

그의 자만심이 결국 화근이 되어 모든 것을 망쳤다. (His arrogance ultimately became the root of trouble and ruined everything.)

Neutral to Formal
"자만심을 내려놓다"

— To put down arrogance; to relinquish one's pride.

진정한 배움을 위해서는 자만심을 내려놓아야 한다. (For true learning, one must put down arrogance.)

Formal
"자만심으로 고개를 들지 못하다"

— Unable to lift one's head due to arrogance. This is a less common idiom, possibly implying a paradoxical situation where extreme pride leads to a lack of confidence or an inability to face reality directly, perhaps due to fear of failure.

그는 자신의 실수를 인정하지 못하고 자만심으로 고개를 들지 못했다. (He couldn't admit his mistake and couldn't lift his head due to arrogance.)

Literary
"자만심의 덫에 걸리다"

— To be caught in the trap of arrogance. This idiom emphasizes that excessive pride can lead one into a dangerous situation from which it's hard to escape.

성공의 달콤함에 취해 자만심의 덫에 걸렸다. (Intoxicated by the sweetness of success, he was caught in the trap of arrogance.)

Formal
"자만심을 옥죄다"

— To tighten the grip of arrogance. This suggests that arrogance is becoming increasingly powerful and restrictive.

그의 성공은 점점 더 자만심을 옥죄는 결과를 낳았다. (His success increasingly led to results that tightened the grip of arrogance.)

Literary
"자만심으로 가득 찬 눈빛"

— Eyes filled with arrogance. This describes a person's gaze that clearly conveys their excessive pride and superiority complex.

그녀의 눈빛은 자만심으로 가득 차 있어 다가가기 어려웠다. (Her eyes were filled with arrogance, making it difficult to approach her.)

Descriptive

Easily Confused

자만심 vs 자신감 (jasin-gam)

Both relate to a positive self-perception, but the degree and nature differ significantly.

자신감 is healthy self-assurance and belief in one's capabilities, essential for facing challenges. 자만심 is excessive, often unwarranted pride that can lead to overconfidence, poor judgment, and a disregard for others. While confidence helps you perform, arrogance can hinder you.

그는 자신감이 넘치지만, 자만심은 없다. (He is full of confidence, but he has no arrogance.)

자만심 vs 긍지 (geungji)

Both involve a sense of pride.

긍지 is a sense of honor and satisfaction derived from one's achievements or group affiliation, often accompanied by modesty. 자만심 is an inflated sense of superiority over others, lacking humility and often leading to disdain. You can feel 긍지 about your country without having 자만심.

우리 팀의 승리에 긍지를 느꼈지만, 자만심에 빠지지는 않았다. (We felt pride in our team's victory, but we did not fall into arrogance.)

자만심 vs 오만 (oman)

Very similar meaning, both referring to arrogance.

자만심 often emphasizes the internal state of being 'full of oneself'. 오만 can refer more broadly to the outward expression of arrogance, haughtiness, or a disdainful attitude towards others. They are often interchangeable, but 오만 might suggest a more visible, perhaps even aggressive, display of superiority.

그의 오만함은 자만심에서 비롯된 것이다. (His haughtiness originated from his arrogance.)

자만심 vs 교만 (gyoman)

All refer to excessive pride.

While 자만심 and 오만 are general terms for arrogance, 교만 often carries stronger moral or religious connotations, implying pride that is seen as sinful or going against divine will. It's frequently used in religious contexts to describe a vice.

성경은 교만을 큰 죄라고 말한다. (The Bible says arrogance is a great sin.)

자만심 vs 허세 (heose)

Both involve a display of self-importance.

허세 refers to bluffing, showing off, or putting on airs, often to hide insecurity or lack of actual achievement. It's more about pretense and boasting about things one doesn't truly have. 자만심 is a deeper-seated feeling of superiority and self-importance, not necessarily just a facade.

그는 허세를 부리지만, 속으로는 자만심이 강한 것은 아니다. (He bluffs, but it's not that he has strong arrogance deep down.)

Sentence Patterns

A2

[Subject]은/는 자만심이 좀 있는 것 같아요.

그 친구는 자만심이 좀 있는 것 같아요. (That friend seems to have a bit of arrogance.)

A2

자만심 때문에 [Result].

자만심 때문에 그는 친구를 잃었어요. (Because of arrogance, he lost his friends.)

B1

[Subject]은/는 자만심에 빠지다.

그는 성공 후 자만심에 빠졌다. (He fell into arrogance after success.)

B1

자만심을 버리다/극복하다.

진정한 성장을 위해 자만심을 버려야 합니다. (For true growth, one must discard arrogance.)

B2

[Subject]은/는 자만심이 엿보이다.

그의 연설에는 자만심이 엿보였다. (Arrogance was glimpsed in his speech.)

B2

자만심을 경계하다.

성공할수록 자만심을 경계해야 한다. (The more successful you become, the more you must guard against arrogance.)

C1

자만심으로 인해 [Consequence].

자만심으로 인해 그는 중요한 기회를 놓쳤다. (Due to arrogance, he missed an important opportunity.)

C1

[Subject]은/는 자만심이 드러나다.

그녀의 태도에서 자만심이 드러났다. (Arrogance was revealed in her attitude.)

Word Family

Nouns

자만심 (jaman-sim - arrogance)
자만 (jaman - self-conceit)
자만가 (jamanga - conceited person)

Verbs

자만하다 (jamanhada - to be conceited, to be arrogant)

Adjectives

자만한 (jamanhan - conceited, arrogant)

Related

오만 (oman)
교만 (gyoman)
거만 (geoman)
독선 (dokseon)
허세 (heose)
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How to Use It

frequency

Medium

Common Mistakes
  • Using '자만심' for healthy confidence. → 자신감 (jasin-gam)

    '자만심' refers to excessive, often unfounded pride that leads to arrogance. '자신감' is healthy self-assurance. For example, a skilled athlete has '자신감', but if they become dismissive of opponents due to past wins, that's '자만심'.

  • Translating 'pride' directly without considering nuance. → Context-dependent: 긍지 (pride in achievement), 자부심 (self-respect), or 자만심 (arrogance).

    While 'pride' can be positive, '자만심' specifically denotes the negative, excessive kind. Using '자만심' when referring to positive pride in accomplishments would be incorrect.

  • Using '자만심' to describe someone who is simply proud of their work. → 긍지 (geungji) or 자부심 (jabusim)

    If someone is proud of a job well done and remains humble, it is not '자만심'. '자만심' implies an overestimation of one's own abilities and a potential disregard for others, which is absent in someone with healthy pride.

  • Confusing '자만심' with '허세' (bluffing). → 허세 (heose) for showing off without substance.

    '자만심' is a deep-seated feeling of superiority. '허세' is more about putting on an act or boasting about things one doesn't truly possess. Someone with '허세' might be insecure, while someone with '자만심' genuinely believes they are superior.

  • Using '자만심' when the pride is related to moral or religious superiority. → 교만 (gyoman)

    While similar, '교만' often carries stronger moral or religious implications, suggesting arrogance that goes against ethical or divine principles. '자만심' is a more general term for excessive self-pride.

Tips

Distinguish from Confidence

Remember that '자만심' is about excessive, often unwarranted pride, not healthy self-assurance. If someone believes in their abilities without looking down on others, it's '자신감' (confidence), not '자만심'.

Visual Association

Picture a balloon labeled 'Self' that is overinflated with pride and about to burst. This visual can help you remember that '자만심' represents an overflowing, unsustainable level of self-importance.

Value of Humility

In Korean culture, humility is highly valued. '자만심' is seen as a significant flaw that can lead to social disapproval. Understanding this cultural context helps grasp why the word is used so critically.

Common Collocations

Familiarize yourself with common phrases like '자만심에 빠지다' (to fall into arrogance), '자만심 때문에' (because of arrogance), and '자만심을 버리다' (to discard arrogance) to use the word more naturally.

Negative Connotation

Always assume '자만심' is being used negatively. It's rarely, if ever, a positive trait. It implies a flaw that hinders growth or leads to problems.

Stress the First Syllable

The primary stress in '자만심' falls on the first syllable, '자' (ja). Practicing this emphasis will help with natural pronunciation.

Compare with Synonyms

Understanding words like '오만' (arrogance), '교만' (moral arrogance), and '허세' (bluff) helps pinpoint the specific nuance of '자만심'.

Sentence Building

Try creating your own sentences using '자만심' to describe characters from stories or movies you know. This active recall strengthens understanding.

Avoid Direct Accusations

While '자만심' describes a negative trait, directly accusing someone of it can be confrontational. It's often used in observations or self-reflection rather than direct criticism.

Meaning of Hanja

Remembering that '자만심' literally means 'self-full-heart' can reinforce its meaning of being excessively filled with one's own importance.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a person named 'Jan' who is so 'man'y (full) of himself that his 'sim'ple (heart) is bursting with pride. Jan-man-sim!

Visual Association

Picture a balloon labeled 'Self' that is so overinflated with pride that it's about to pop, with the word '자만심' written on it.

Word Web

Pride Arrogance Conceit Self-importance Haughtiness Overconfidence Ego Vanity Superiority complex Lack of humility

Challenge

Try to use '자만심' in a sentence about a character from a movie or book you know who exhibits this trait. Explain why you think they have '자만심'.

Word Origin

The word '자만심' is composed of three Sino-Korean characters (Hanja).

Original meaning: The characters are 自 (ja - self), 滿 (man - full), and 心 (sim - heart/mind). Literally, it means 'heart/mind full of oneself'.

Sino-Korean (derived from Hanja)

Cultural Context

When discussing someone's '자만심,' it's important to do so with caution, as it is a critical term. It's generally used to describe negative behavior or character flaws, so direct accusations can be confrontational. It's often used in third-person observations or self-reflection rather than direct criticism to someone's face.

While English has words like 'arrogance,' 'conceit,' and 'hubris,' the Korean '자만심' carries a particularly strong cultural weight due to the emphasis on humility. The consequences of displaying '자만심' can be more severe in social contexts than in some Western cultures where individualistic pride might be more accepted.

Many Korean historical figures are analyzed through the lens of their potential '자만심' leading to their downfall. Traditional Korean proverbs often warn against pride and praise humility. Modern Korean dramas and films frequently feature characters whose arcs are defined by their struggle with or succumbing to '자만심'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Discussing character flaws of a fictional character or a public figure.

  • 그의 자만심 때문에...
  • 자만심이 드러나다
  • 자만심에 빠지다

Giving advice about personal growth or career development.

  • 자만심을 버리세요.
  • 자만심을 경계해야 합니다.
  • 자만심 때문에 기회를 놓치지 마세요.

Analyzing reasons for failure or downfall.

  • 자만심이 화근이 되었다.
  • 자만심 때문에 실패했다.
  • 지나친 자만심

Describing someone's personality or attitude.

  • 자만심이 강하다
  • 자만심으로 가득 차 있다
  • 자만심이 하늘을 찌르다

Reflecting on past mistakes or personal experiences.

  • 과거의 자만심 때문에...
  • 자만심을 극복하고...

Conversation Starters

"Have you ever met someone who seemed overly proud of themselves?"

"What do you think is the difference between confidence and arrogance?"

"Can success lead to arrogance? How can one avoid it?"

"Are there any characters in books or movies you know who are defined by their arrogance?"

"In your culture, how is excessive pride viewed?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when you or someone you know might have exhibited '자만심'. What were the consequences?

Reflect on the importance of humility. How does it contrast with '자만심'?

Write a short story about a character who learns to overcome their '자만심'.

What are some signs that someone might be developing '자만심'?

How can we encourage confidence without fostering arrogance?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'자만심' is composed of three Sino-Korean characters: 自 (ja - self), 滿 (man - full), and 心 (sim - heart/mind). Literally, it means 'heart/mind full of oneself,' which directly conveys the idea of excessive self-pride.

Yes, '자만심' is almost always used negatively. It refers to an unhealthy, excessive pride that can lead to poor judgment, arrogance, and negative consequences. Healthy pride or confidence is expressed with different words like '자신감' (confidence) or '긍지' (pride in achievement).

'자신감' (jasin-gam) is healthy self-assurance and belief in one's abilities, which is generally positive and helpful. '자만심' (jaman-sim) is excessive, often unjustified pride that can lead to arrogance, overconfidence, and a disregard for others. Think of '자신감' as a steady flame and '자만심' as an uncontrolled wildfire.

While it's possible for someone to exhibit traits of both, '자만심' implies an excess that overshadows healthy '자신감'. Someone truly confident usually remains humble, while someone with '자만심' is often dismissive of others and their own potential flaws.

The consequences can include making poor decisions, alienating friends and colleagues, missing opportunities, failing to learn from mistakes, and ultimately, experiencing downfall or failure. It often leads to social disapproval due to its contrast with the valued trait of humility.

Generally, no. The term itself carries a negative connotation. While a certain level of self-belief is necessary, '자만심' specifically refers to the detrimental excess of that belief. Positive self-regard is better described by words like '자신감' or '자부심'.

Always consider if the pride being described is excessive, leads to arrogance, or causes negative outcomes. If the pride is healthy, constructive, or leads to self-respect, use words like '자신감' or '긍지'. If it's about showing off or boasting without substance, '허세' might be more appropriate.

Yes, '자만심' is a commonly used word, especially when discussing character traits, analyzing historical events, or critiquing behavior in media and everyday life. Its negative connotation makes it a frequent topic in cautionary tales and advice.

If you want to express positive pride in achievements or self-respect, '긍지' (geungji) or '자부심' (jabusim) are good alternatives. If you mean confidence in one's abilities, use '자신감' (jasin-gam).

No, '자만심' is a human emotion or state of mind. It refers to the excessive pride of a person. You wouldn't say a building has '자만심'.

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This Word in Other Languages

气焰 Chinese
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