マウントを取る (maunto wo toru): The Japanese Art of 'One-Upping'

Have you ever been in this situation? 👇

You've just excitedly shared: "I got a new camera, it takes super sharp pictures!" 📸

The person you're talking to replies: "Oh, that model? It's okay. I'm using a Leica, the color depth is on a whole different level."

That feeling of your mood deflating and feeling a bit small is the result of a classic 'マウントを取る (maunto wo toru)' moment. This is an extremely common term in modern Japanese society that textbooks rarely teach.

🧐 What is "Mounting"?

マウント (maunto) comes from the English word "mounting," describing the behavior of an animal climbing on another's back to assert dominance. In Japanese communication, マウントを取る means an action or statement that subtly asserts that one is in a higher position—more knowledgeable, wealthier, or happier than the other person.

It's not direct bragging (自慢 - jiman), but much more subtle and annoying. The goal is to make the other person feel slightly "inferior."

🎯 Common Types of "Mounting"

The Japanese have a whole art to "mounting." Here are a few common types:

• Humblebragging (さりげない自慢): Complaining about a hardship that is actually a way to show off.

  Example: 「最近忙しくて大変だよ〜。週末も上司とのゴルフで潰れちゃうし…」 (I've been so busy lately~ My weekends are ruined by having to play golf with my boss...) 😑 Actually bragging about having a good relationship with the boss and living a luxurious life.

• Condescending Advice (上から目線のアドバイス): Giving unsolicited advice to demonstrate superior knowledge.

  Example: 「へー、その会社に就職したんだ。まあ、悪くないけど、A社のほうが将来性あるのになぁ。」 (Oh, you got a job at that company. Well, it's not bad, but Company A has much better prospects.) 🙄 Actually belittling your choice and highlighting their own knowledge.

• Probing Questions (探るような質問): Asking questions that seem concerned but are intended to lead to their own achievements.

  Example: 「家買ったんだ！すごいね！ちなみに月々のローンはいくらぐらい？」 (You bought a house! Amazing! By the way, how much is the monthly mortgage?) 🕵️ After hearing the answer, they will start comparing and showing off their own financial status.

✨ How to Respond Gracefully

When you're being "mounted," your reaction is everything. Here are a few ways to handle it like a mature and graceful adult:

1. The "Ignore It" Technique (聞き流す): This is the most common and safest way. Just smile and give a non-committal response. They'll get bored when they don't achieve their goal.

   「へぇ、そうなんですね！すごい！」(Oh, is that so! Amazing!) 「さすがですね！」(As expected from you!) ...then gently change the subject. 😉

2. The "Absolute Acknowledgment" Technique (完全に認める): Praise them to the skies. This can sometimes make the person realize the slight sarcasm and see that their behavior is a bit over the top.

   「え、ハワイですか！次元が違いますね！かないません！」(What, Hawaii! That's a whole different dimension! I can't compete!)

3. The "Question Back" Technique (質問で返す): (For the mentally strong) When asked a "mounting" question, ask them back innocently.

   Them: "How much is your monthly mortgage?" You: 「え、どうしてですか？」(Oh, why do you ask?) This question forces them to explain their purpose and will often leave them stumped.

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Recognizing マウントを取る moments is an important social skill in Japan. It helps you understand the motives behind people's words and protects your mood from being affected by such negativity. Stay sharp and calm! 😄