superior airs; air of importance
Describes an attitude of self-importance or pretentiousness. Often used in the phrase 勿体ぶる (to put on airs).
He always speaks with an air of importance.
そんなに勿体ぶらなくてもいいじゃないか。
You don't have to put on such airs.
overemphasis; exaggeration
Refers to making something seem more important or serious than it is; overstating. Often used in the phrase 勿体をつける.
His stories are always overemphasized.
誇張 is the general word for exaggerating facts or claims, while 勿体 refers to making something seem weightier or more serious than it is.
尊大 describes an arrogant, haughty attitude toward others, whereas 勿体 focuses on putting on an air of importance or seriousness.
Standard kanji spelling for this word; 勿 is a less common kanji but this is the established form.
Kana spelling is common in everyday writing, especially in the phrase もったいぶる.
Ateji spelling; rarely used and easily confused with 物体 (ぶったい, 'object').
The word 勿体 (もったい) originally comes from a Buddhist term meaning 'the essence of things' or 'importance', but in modern Japanese it has shifted to refer to an attitude of self-importance or exaggeration. The kanji 勿体 is an established spelling, while 物体 is an ateji.