What is さすが when referring to oneself? さすがに眠い


It means "as one would expect" when referring to others, and it's sort of a
compliment.

But you're not supposed to compliment yourself in Japanese.

So does さすが have a different meaning when referring to oneself?

> さすがに眠い




I think the translation "as one would expect" often misses the mark for `さすが`
(even in reference to others). It's close but a little more complicated than
that.

Here is [Daijisen's](https://dictionary.goo.ne.jp/word/%E6%B5%81%E7%9F%B3/)
definition, with added translations.

> **1** ［形動］［文］［ナリ］ １ 評判や期待のとおりの事実を確認し、改めて感心するさま。なるほど、たいしたもの。「この難問が解けるとは
> **さすが** だ」  
>  Feeling renewed appreciation for a fact after confirming it matches
> reputation or expectations.  
>  "You **really are** skilled to be able to solve a problem this difficult."

> **2** ［副］１
> あることを認めはするが、特定の条件下では、それと相反する感情を抱くさま。そうは言うものの。それはそうだが、やはり。「味はよいが、これだけ多いと
> **さすがに** 飽きる」「非はこちらにあるが、一方的に責められると **さすがに** 腹が立つ」  
>  Holding feelings of acceptance towards something, but opposition to it
> under specific conditions.  
>  "The taste is good, but when there's this much of it I **just am** going to
> tire of it"  
>  "I'm at fault, but being blamed over and over is going to anger you
> **regardless** "

> ２ 予想・期待したことを、事実として納得するさま。また、その事実に改めて感心するさま。なるほど、やはり。「一人暮らしは **さすがに** 寂しい」「
> **さすが** （は）ベテランだ」  
>  Accepting as fact (becoming convinced of) something expected or hoped for;
> feeling renewed appreciation of that fact.  
>  "Living on your own **is indeed** lonely / **really is** lonely (
> _accepting as fact_ )"  
>  "He **sure is** a veteran ( _renewed appreciation_ )"

> ３ （「さすがの…も」の形で）そのものの価値を認めはするが、特定の条件下では、それを否定するさま。さしもの。「 **さすが**
> の名探偵も今度ばかりはお手上げだろう」  
>  (In the form "さすがの…も") Accepting the merit of something, but rejecting it
> under specific conditions.  
>  " **Even** the famous (merit/strength) detective would throw their hands up
> at this one."

Your example falls under either 2.1 or 2.2 depending on the context.

If someone asked you to do something, and you replied with a sigh `さすがに眠い`,
the meaning is "I'd normally be in favor, but because I am (too) tired, I'm
opposed" (2.1).

If you were saying this line to yourself seemingly at random, it would be you
internally admitting / acknowledging the fact that you're tired (2.2).

