Translation guide
The English word 'arrogant' describes someone who has an exaggerated sense of their own importance or abilities and shows it in an overbearing way. In Japanese, there are several words and phrases to express this, but the most natural choice depends on the situation and the nuance you want to convey.
Describing a person who is habitually arrogant, conceited, or full of themselves.
This is the most direct and common translation for 'arrogant' as a personality trait. It can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
彼は傲慢な態度をとる。
He has an arrogant attitude.
傲慢な人は嫌われる。
Arrogant people are disliked.
Similar to 傲慢, but often implies a haughty, domineering attitude, especially towards those of lower status.
彼の横柄な物言いが気に入らない。
I don't like his arrogant way of speaking.
Means proud and arrogant, often with a nuance of looking down on others. Slightly more literary than 傲慢.
高慢な態度を改めるべきだ。
You should change your arrogant attitude.
Literally 'to become a tengu' (a mythical creature). It means to become conceited or arrogant, often due to success or praise. Very common in everyday speech.
ちょっと褒められただけで天狗になるな。
Don't get arrogant just because you got a little praise.
A verb meaning to be conceited or to have an inflated sense of self-importance. Often used in admonishments.
思い上がった態度はやめなさい。
Stop your arrogant attitude.
Describing actions or words that are arrogant, such as talking down to someone or acting superior.
Often used for someone who is impertinent, cheeky, or acting above their station. Commonly used for younger people or subordinates.
生意気な口をきくな。
Don't talk so arrogantly (cheekily).
あの子は本当に生意気だ。
That kid is really arrogant (cheeky).
Means 'acting important' or 'pompous'. Very common in casual conversation to describe someone who acts like they are better than others.
Describing someone who is arrogant because of their position, wealth, or authority.
Means pompous or arrogant, often implying a self-important manner. More formal and literary.
彼は尊大に振る舞った。
He behaved arrogantly.
Means insolent or arrogant, often used in formal contexts to describe disrespectful behavior towards authority.
傲慢 (ごうまん) is the most general and widely used. 横柄 (おうへい) emphasizes a haughty, overbearing manner, especially towards inferiors. 高慢 (こうまん) is similar but slightly more literary and focuses on pride and looking down on others.
Avoid directly translating 'arrogant' as アロガント; it is not natural Japanese. Also, using 傲慢 in casual conversation can sound overly formal or stiff. In everyday speech, 偉そう or 生意気 are often more appropriate.
He always gives orders arrogantly.
偉そうな言い方をするな。
Don't speak so arrogantly.
Literally 'looking down from above'. Describes a condescending attitude or way of speaking. Very common in modern Japanese.
彼の上から目線の発言に腹が立った。
I got angry at his arrogant (condescending) remarks.
Arrogant behavior will not be tolerated.