Translation guide
Describes an attitude of arrogant superiority, looking down on others. Japanese has many nuanced words for this, ranging from formal terms for arrogance to colloquial expressions for acting high and mighty.
Describing a person or attitude that is condescending and full of pride.
The most direct and common word for 'haughty' or 'arrogant'. Often used in formal or written contexts, but also in speech. Can describe a person, attitude, or behavior.
I can't stand his haughty attitude.
She is haughty and always looks down on people.
Similar to 傲慢, but often implies a more overt pride and vanity. Slightly less common, but still widely understood.
Haughty people have few friends.
Emphasizes an overbearing, domineering attitude. Often used for someone who acts superior and treats others rudely.
I was angered by the clerk's haughty manner.
A more literary or formal term for haughtiness, often implying a pompous self-importance. Less common in everyday speech.
He spoke in a haughty tone.
Describing someone who acts superior, often in a more colloquial or everyday context.
A very common phrase meaning 'to act important' or 'to act high and mighty'. Used for someone who behaves as if they are superior.
He always acts haughty.
Please don't speak in such a haughty way.
A verb meaning 'to be bossy' or 'to throw one's weight around'. Often used for someone who is haughty and domineering.
Literally 'to become a tengu' (a mythical creature). Idiom meaning to become conceited or haughty, often due to success or praise.
Focusing on the act of treating others as inferior.
A verb meaning 'to look down on' or 'to despise'. Very common and direct way to express haughty behavior.
He looks down on people with less education.
Idiom meaning 'to be proud of something and act haughty about it'. Often used when someone flaunts their status, wealth, or achievements.
傲慢 (ごうまん) is the most general and common term for arrogance. 横柄 (おうへい) emphasizes a rude, overbearing manner, often in service situations. 高慢 (こうまん) leans toward vanity and excessive pride in oneself. In many contexts, 傲慢 is the safest choice.
English 'haughty' can sometimes be translated too literally. Phrases like 偉そうにする or 見下す are often more natural in Japanese than using a single adjective. For example, 'He is haughty' is more naturally 彼は偉そうにしている than 彼は傲慢だ in casual speech.
上司の前ではペコペコしているのに、部下には威張っている。
He's all servile in front of his boss, but haughty to his subordinates.
He's become haughty just because of a little success.
人を見下すような態度はよくない。
A haughty attitude that looks down on others is not good.
She is haughty about her beauty.