Translation guide
To behave in a way that shows confidence, arrogance, or self-importance, often to impress others or assert dominance.
Describing someone who behaves as if they are more important or powerful than others, often in an annoying way.
A common phrase meaning to act important or superior. It can be used for both temporary behavior and general attitude.
彼はいつも偉そうにしている。
He always acts big.
そんなに偉そうにしないでください。
Please don't act so big.
Describing someone who behaves with self-assurance, often to make an impression or take charge.
Literally 'to come out big', meaning to act boldly or take a confident, sometimes risky, stance. Often used in negotiations or challenges.
交渉では大きく出たほうがいい。
In negotiations, you should act big.
Describing someone who tries to impress others by acting in an exaggerated or ostentatious manner.
To put on airs or show off, often by pretending to be richer or more important than one is.
彼はいつも見栄を張って高級車に乗っている。
He always acts big by driving a luxury car.
The English phrase 'act big' does not have a direct one-word equivalent in Japanese. Translating it literally as '大きく行動する' would sound unnatural and be misunderstood. Use the phrases above depending on the nuance you want to convey.
Both mean to act arrogantly, but 偉そうにする focuses on the attitude of superiority, while 威張る emphasizes bossy or domineering behavior. 偉そうにする can be used for someone who just looks down on others, whereas 威張る often involves actively ordering people around.
A verb meaning to act bossy or throw one's weight around. Often implies a domineering attitude.
彼は部下に威張っている。
He acts big toward his subordinates.
Literally 'attitude is big', meaning someone has an arrogant or overbearing demeanor.
あの新人は態度が大きい。
That new guy acts big.
Literally 'to lean back', this idiom describes someone acting arrogantly with a pompous posture. More vivid and colloquial.
彼は社長の前でもふんぞり返っている。
He acts big even in front of the president.
Means to act with dignity and confidence, without being timid. More positive than arrogant.
彼は初めてのプレゼンでも堂々としていた。
He acted big even during his first presentation.
To behave with full confidence. A more literal description of acting confidently.
彼女は自信満々に振る舞った。
She acted big with full confidence.
To act like a big shot. Often used sarcastically for someone pretending to be a VIP.
彼は大物ぶってるけど、ただの平社員だよ。
He acts big, but he's just a regular employee.
Literally 'to take a big attitude', a colloquial way to say someone acts big or arrogant.
あいつ、最近でかい態度を取ってるよね。
That guy has been acting big lately.