Translation guide
Describes a person or behavior that is controlling, bossy, and insists on having their own way. Japanese expressions range from direct personality adjectives to verbs describing overbearing actions.
To describe someone who is bossy, controlling, or always wants to be in charge.
A common adjective meaning 'high-handed' or 'overbearing'. It describes a person or attitude that is coercive and domineering.
彼は高圧的な上司だ。
He is a domineering boss.
Means 'arrogant' or 'haughty', often implying a domineering attitude. Used for people who act superior and boss others around.
横柄な態度をとる。
To take a domineering attitude.
The past tense of 威張る (to be bossy/domineering), used as an adjective meaning 'bossy' or 'domineering'. Very common in everyday speech.
威張った人と働くのは大変だ。
It's tough working with a domineering person.
Literally 'dominant' or 'controlling'. More formal and less common for describing personality, but can be used in psychological contexts.
彼女は支配的な性格だ。
She has a domineering personality.
To describe the action of bossing people around or controlling a situation.
The most common verb meaning 'to act bossy' or 'to throw one's weight around'. Used for someone who is domineering in their behavior.
彼はいつも威張っている。
He's always domineering.
Means 'to take charge' or 'to run things', but can imply being domineering if done without consideration for others.
Literally 'to hold the cow's ear', meaning to dominate or control a group or situation. Stronger and more negative than 仕切る.
To refer to the abstract quality of being domineering.
A common phrase meaning 'domineering attitude' or 'high-handed manner'.
高圧的な態度は逆効果だ。
A domineering attitude is counterproductive.
A compound verb meaning 'to boss around' or 'to domineer' in a very aggressive, overbearing way.
彼は部下に威張り散らしている。
He domineers over his subordinates.
Avoid directly translating 'domineering' as 支配的 in casual conversation; it sounds overly formal and psychological. Use 高圧的 or 威張った for natural descriptions.
She domineered the meeting.
He domineers the team.