Translation guide
Describes speech or writing that is overly elaborate, pompous, and intended to impress but often sounds empty or insincere.
To describe speech or writing that is grandiose, inflated, and self-important, often lacking substance.
The most common and versatile word for exaggerated or overblown speech. Can be used in both casual and formal contexts.
To criticize language that is pompous but lacks real meaning or sincerity, often used in political or formal contexts.
Means 'empty' or 'vacuous,' often used to describe speech or writing that is high-sounding but devoid of content. Formal and literary.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'bombastic.' The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize exaggeration, pompousness, or emptiness. Using 大げさ is the safest default.
彼のスピーチはいつも大げさだ。
His speeches are always bombastic.
Means 'exaggerated' or 'grandiose,' often used in compounds like 誇大広告 (exaggerated advertising) or 誇大妄想 (delusions of grandeur). More formal than 大げさ.
その政治家は誇大な表現で支持を集めようとした。
The politician tried to gather support with bombastic expressions.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to spread a big furoshiki (wrapping cloth),' i.e., to talk big or make grandiose claims. Conveys the idea of bombastic exaggeration.
彼は会議で大風呂敷を広げたが、具体的な計画はなかった。
He talked big at the meeting, but had no concrete plan.
Describes something overly formal, pompous, or ostentatious in manner or style. Often used for ceremonies, speech, or behavior.
彼の仰々しい話し方は聞いていて疲れる。
His bombastic way of speaking is tiring to listen to.
その演説は空疎な言葉の羅列だった。
The speech was a string of bombastic, empty words.
Literally 'only the tip of the tongue,' meaning empty talk or lip service. Implies that the words are bombastic but insincere.
彼の約束は口先だけだった。
His promises were just bombastic talk.
A set phrase meaning 'flowery words' or 'rhetorical flourishes,' often used to criticize speech that is bombastic and insincere. Formal.
彼の演説は美辞麗句を並べただけだった。
His speech was just a string of bombastic phrases.