Translation guide
Haughtiness describes an attitude of arrogant superiority and disdain for others. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through a range of words and phrases that convey pride, condescension, and looking down on others. The most common and versatile term is 傲慢 (ごうまん), but other expressions capture nuances like snobbery, self-importance, or a high-and-mighty attitude.
Expressing a general attitude of haughtiness, arrogance, or condescension
The most direct and common word for haughtiness or arrogance. It describes an attitude of looking down on others and considering oneself superior. Can be used for both personality traits and specific behaviors.
彼の傲慢な態度には我慢できない。
I can't stand his haughty attitude.
彼女は傲慢で、いつも人を見下している。
She is arrogant and always looks down on people.
Describes an overbearing, haughty manner, often implying a lack of respect for others. Commonly used for someone who acts superior and dismissive.
彼の横柄な物言いが気に入らない。
I don't like his haughty way of speaking.
Similar to 傲慢, but often emphasizes pride and self-conceit. Can be used for haughtiness stemming from excessive pride.
高慢な人は友達が少ない。
Haughty people have few friends.
An idiomatic phrase meaning to be proud of something and act haughtily because of it. Often used when someone flaunts their status, wealth, or achievements.
彼は学歴を鼻にかけている。
He is haughty about his academic background.
Literally 'to become a tengu' (a mythical creature). Means to become conceited or big-headed, often after success or praise. Implies a temporary inflated ego.
彼は少し褒められるとすぐ天狗になる。
He gets big-headed as soon as he's praised a little.
Expressing haughtiness specifically related to social class, refinement, or exclusivity
Refers to snobbery or a snobbish mindset, often judging people by wealth, status, or superficial qualities. Carries a negative connotation of vulgarity despite pretensions.
彼の俗物根性にはうんざりだ。
I'm fed up with his snobbery.
Expressing haughtiness as an inflated sense of one's own importance or dignity
Describes a pompous, self-important attitude. Often used for someone who acts grand and expects deference. Can imply a lack of substance behind the arrogance.
彼の尊大な態度は周囲の反感を買った。
His pompous attitude antagonized those around him.
A common phrase meaning to act important or self-important. Used in everyday speech to describe someone who acts like a big shot.
彼はいつも偉そうに命令する。
He always gives orders in a self-important way.
Describing the outward signs of haughtiness, such as a scornful look or tone
A verb meaning to look down on, to despise, or to treat with contempt. It directly captures the action of haughtiness.
彼はいつも人を見下すような言い方をする。
He always speaks in a way that looks down on people.
Means contempt or scorn. Often used for the feeling or expression of disdain that accompanies haughtiness.
Literally 'to laugh with one's nose', meaning to sneer or scoff. Conveys a haughty, dismissive attitude.
彼は私の提案を鼻で笑った。
He sneered at my suggestion.
These three words are often interchangeable, but have subtle differences. 傲慢 (ごうまん) is the most general and common for 'haughtiness/arrogance'. 横柄 (おうへい) emphasizes overbearing, rude behavior. 高慢 (こうまん) stresses pride and self-conceit. In many contexts, 傲慢 is the safest choice.
English 'haughtiness' is a noun, but Japanese often uses adjectives or verbs to describe the attitude. For example, 'His haughtiness is annoying' is more naturally expressed as 彼の傲慢な態度はうっとうしい (His arrogant attitude is annoying) rather than using a noun form.
彼女の傲慢さには我慢できない。
I can't stand her haughtiness.
彼は傲慢な口調で話した。
He spoke with haughtiness.
Literally 'chosen people consciousness'. Describes an elitist or exclusivist attitude, believing oneself to be part of a superior group. Often used for haughtiness based on class, education, or background.
彼らは選民意識が強くて、他の人を見下している。
They have a strong sense of elitism and look down on others.
A phrase meaning to act high and mighty, to be stuck-up. Often used for someone who acts superior and unapproachable, especially in social situations.
彼女はいつもお高くとまっていて、話しかけにくい。
She always acts so high and mighty, it's hard to talk to her.
Means conceit or self-importance. Often used when someone overestimates their abilities or status and acts accordingly.
彼の思い上がりには呆れる。
I'm amazed at his conceit.
彼女は軽蔑の目で私を見た。
She looked at me with contempt.