Translation guide
Describes behavior where someone acts as if they are more important than others, often through arrogance, bossiness, or showing off. Japanese expressions range from verbs for throwing one's weight around to adjectives for being conceited.
To behave in a domineering, overbearing manner, often using authority or status to control others.
The most common and versatile verb for acting self-importantly, bossing people around, or throwing one's weight around. Can be used in many contexts.
He always acts self-importantly toward his subordinates.
Please don't act so self-importantly.
Literally 'to lean back', this vividly describes someone acting arrogantly with a condescending attitude, as if looking down on others.
He acts all high and mighty just because he's the president's son.
A common phrase meaning 'to act important' or 'to act like a big shot'. Often used critically.
He always acts self-importantly.
Alternate kanji for ふんぞり返る, same meaning but less common in writing.
He gave orders while leaning back arrogantly.
To have an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities, often without the bossy behavior.
To be conceited or vain, thinking too highly of oneself. Often used for someone who overestimates their abilities.
He is conceited about his own talent.
To be arrogant or have a swollen head, often implying a sudden rise in status leading to conceit.
Idiom: 'to become a tengu' (a mythical boastful creature). Means to get a big head or become conceited, often due to praise or success.
To behave in a way that draws attention to one's status, knowledge, or possessions, often to impress others.
To put on airs, act affected or pretentious. Often used for someone trying to appear sophisticated.
She always acts pretentiously.
To show off or put on a front, often by pretending to be richer or more important than one is.
To act stylish or chic in a pretentious way; trying too hard to be cool. Somewhat dated.
To behave as if one has more authority or rights than one actually does, often by doing things without permission.
To get carried away and act presumptuously, often after receiving some favor or leniency. Implies overstepping bounds.
He's taking advantage of his boss's kindness and acting self-importantly.
Similar to 図に乗る, meaning to become arrogant or take liberties due to being spoiled or indulged.
Both mean 'to act self-importantly', but 威張る emphasizes bossy, domineering behavior, while 偉そうにする focuses more on the attitude of thinking oneself important. 威張る often involves actively throwing one's weight around, whereas 偉そうにする can be just an air of self-importance.
He bosses people around and gives orders.
He sits there acting all important.
Avoid directly translating 'act self-importantly' as 自己重要に行動する (jiko jūyō ni kōdō suru). This is unnatural and not used in Japanese. Use the verbs and phrases listed above instead.
He's gotten a big head after his success.
Don't get a big head just because you got a little praise.
He bought a luxury car to show off.
彼は粋がって新しいスーツを着てきた。
He showed up in a new suit, trying to act cool.
If you spoil children, they'll start acting self-importantly.