Translation guide
The quality of being overly proud and believing you are better than others. In Japanese, this is expressed through nouns describing the trait, adjectives for arrogant people, and set phrases. The most common and direct word is 傲慢 (gōman).
Describing arrogance as a personality trait or abstract quality.
The standard noun for arrogance. Can be used in formal and everyday contexts. Often used with さ to describe degree.
彼の傲慢さには我慢できない。
I can't stand his arrogance.
傲慢は人間関係を壊す。
Arrogance destroys relationships.
Arrogance with a nuance of haughtiness and looking down on others. Often used for attitude or behavior.
彼の横柄な態度が嫌いだ。
I dislike his arrogant attitude.
Pompous arrogance, self-importance. More literary or formal. Often used in written descriptions.
尊大な態度を取るな。
Don't take such a pompous attitude.
Referring to someone who is arrogant.
A straightforward way to say 'arrogant person'.
彼は傲慢な人だ。
He is an arrogant person.
Literally a mythical creature, but idiomatically means someone who is conceited or arrogant, often from success. Used in phrases like 天狗になる (to get a big head).
彼は出世して天狗になっている。
He got promoted and has become arrogant.
Cheeky, impertinent arrogance, often used for younger people or subordinates. Can be a noun or adjective.
Describing actions or words that show arrogance.
Arrogant attitude. A common collocation.
傲慢な態度を改めるべきだ。
You should change your arrogant attitude.
Arrogant tone of voice. 横柄 emphasizes haughtiness.
横柄な口調で話すな。
Don't speak in an arrogant tone.
To act arrogantly, to throw one's weight around. A verb describing arrogant behavior.
Focusing on the inflated self-view aspect of arrogance.
Conceit, vanity. Often used for someone who is overly proud of their own abilities or looks.
自惚れもいい加減にしろ。
Stop being so conceited.
傲慢 is the most general term for arrogance. 横柄 emphasizes haughty behavior and attitude, often in interpersonal interactions. 尊大 is more about pompous self-importance and is less common in daily speech.
While 傲慢 is the direct translation, in casual speech Japanese speakers often use phrases like 天狗になっている or 威張っている to describe arrogant behavior rather than labeling someone as 傲慢な人, which can sound more formal or judgmental.
彼の傲慢さには耐えられない。
His arrogance is unbearable.
生意気な口をきくな。
Don't talk so arrogantly (cheekily).
He's always acting arrogant.
Conceit, presumption. Implies a mistaken belief that one is better than others.
彼の思い上がりには呆れる。
I'm disgusted by his arrogance.