Translation guide
Describes someone who acts as if they are more important than others, often in an annoying or pompous way. Japanese expresses this through adjectives, verbs, and idiomatic phrases that convey arrogance, conceit, or a self-important attitude.
To describe a person who behaves in a self-important, arrogant, or pompous manner.
Literally 'to act as if one is great/important'. This is a very common and natural way to say someone is acting self-important or arrogant.
He always acts self-important.
Please don't act so self-important.
A noun or na-adjective meaning arrogance or haughtiness. Often used to describe a person's character or attitude.
His arrogant attitude is infuriating.
A na-adjective meaning arrogant, overbearing, or haughty. Often used for someone who looks down on others.
I dislike his arrogant way of speaking.
A verb meaning to be proud, boastful, or to throw one's weight around. Implies acting superior.
He acts self-important toward his subordinates.
Idiom meaning 'to become a tengu', i.e., to get a big head or become conceited after success. Often used for someone who becomes self-important due to praise or achievement.
He's become self-important just because he had a little success.
To describe someone who exaggerates their own importance in a pompous or self-aggrandizing way.
A na-adjective meaning pompous, self-important, or haughty. Often used for someone who acts grandiosely.
His pompous behavior makes those around him uncomfortable.
A verb meaning to be conceited or to have a swollen head. Implies an inflated sense of self-importance.
A verb meaning to be vain or conceited. Often used for someone who is overly proud of themselves.
To describe someone who acts self-important by being self-righteous, pretentious, or holier-than-thou.
A na-adjective meaning self-righteous or sanctimonious. Implies a self-important belief in one's own righteousness.
I'm fed up with his self-righteous attitude.
A verb meaning to put on airs, to be pretentious, or to act affected. Often used for someone who tries to seem more important or refined than they are.
All three can describe self-important behavior, but they differ in nuance. 偉そう is the most colloquial and describes the outward behavior of acting important. 傲慢 is a stronger term for deep-seated arrogance or hubris. 横柄 emphasizes an overbearing, condescending attitude toward others.
Avoid directly translating 'self-important' as 自己重要 (jiko jūyō), which is not a natural expression in Japanese. Use the phrases and words above instead.
He is self-important and doesn't listen to others' opinions.
She is self-important about her beauty.
彼はいつも気取っていて、話しにくい。
He always acts self-important and is hard to talk to.