Japanese Hubble Expression 手前味噌 (temae miso) – Meaning

Definition

手前味噌 (てまえみそ, temae miso) is a highly advanced Japanese word that is used to humble oneself while boasting about something. It is usually used as “手前味噌だけど” or more politely “手前味噌{ですが/になりますが}”, meaning “It may sound a little boastful, but …”. People use this expression when they want to brag about something but don’t want to sound cocky or boastful. Since this word is highly advanced even for native Japanese speakers, you will either impress or bewilder them by using it.

Origin

手前味噌 consists of two words “手前てまえ” meaning “this side” and “味噌みそ” meaning “miso”. In the old days, people used to boast about how good and unique their home-made miso is, explaining why 手前味噌 has come to have such a unique meaning.

Example Sentences

Ex1

手前味噌になりますが、 拙著せっちょが100万部まんぶ売うれました。
I’m afraid it may sound boastful, but my book has sold a million copies.

(note)
拙 in 拙著 (せっちょ) is a prefix to use when you “lower” yourself (i.e. put yourself in a lower position) and respect others. Another word using this prefix is “拙者” (せっしゃ, sessha), an archaic pronoun used by a samurai or ninja to refer to himself/herself in a humble way.

Ex2
手前味噌だけど、おれ結構けっこう料理りょうりうまいよ
It may sound boastful, but I’m very good at cooking.

Synonyms in English: bragging, self-praise
Related words and phrases: 手前てまえ (this side, here),  味噌みそ (miso)

See also

ふつつか者 (futsutsuka mono): Lovely Word to Humble Yourself