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.
He is a domineering boss.
Means 'arrogant' or 'haughty', often implying a domineering attitude. Used for people who act superior and boss others around.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
彼女が会議を仕切った。
She domineered the meeting.
彼がチームを牛耳っている。
He domineers the team.
He domineers over his subordinates.