Translation guide
Describes someone who acts as if they are more important than others, often in an annoying or pompous way. Japanese has many nuanced expressions for this attitude, ranging from mild to harsh.
To describe a person who behaves as if they are better than others, often with a condescending attitude.
A common, versatile adjective meaning 'acting important' or 'pompous'. Can describe speech, attitude, or demeanor.
He always talks in a self-important way.
Don't act so self-important.
A stronger, more formal word for arrogance or haughtiness. Often used in written or serious contexts.
I was angered by his arrogant attitude.
Describes an overbearing, domineering attitude, often with a sense of looking down on others.
I was surprised by the clerk's overbearing manner.
Literally 'to hang on one's nose', meaning to be proud and condescending about something, often one's status or achievements.
He is self-important about his academic background.
A literary term for haughtiness or pomposity, often used to describe a person's inflated self-image.
A haughty attitude pushes people away.
To describe actions or words that show an exaggerated sense of one's own importance.
Literally 'to make a big face', meaning to act important or throw one's weight around.
Don't act so self-important just because you're new.
To act bossy or throw one's weight around; often implies a self-important, domineering attitude.
To describe someone who is smugly pleased with themselves and their perceived importance.
Describes a self-satisfied, smug expression or manner, often after a success.
He talked about his achievements with a self-important air.
Conceit or vanity; being overly pleased with oneself. Often used in the phrase 自惚れる (to be conceited).
偉そう is a common, everyday word for acting important, while 傲慢 is a stronger, more formal term for deep-seated arrogance. Use 偉そう for casual criticism and 傲慢 for serious character flaws.
He acts self-important, but he's actually a good person.
An arrogant attitude is unforgivable.
Avoid literal translations like '自己重要' (jiko jūyō), which is not natural Japanese. Instead, use the idiomatic expressions listed above.
彼は部下に威張っている。
He acts self-important toward his subordinates.
Literally 'to lean back', meaning to act arrogantly or with an air of superiority, often with a physical posture.
He leaned back in his chair and gave orders self-importantly.
彼の自惚れには呆れる。
I'm disgusted by his self-importance.
Self-righteousness or self-satisfaction, often implying a lack of consideration for others.
I can't agree with his self-important opinions.