Translation guide
To act superior or more important than others, often in an affected or pretentious way.
The speaker wants to describe someone who behaves as if they are better than others, often in a showy or affected manner.
A common verb meaning to put on airs, act affected, or be pretentious. Often used for someone who is overly conscious of their appearance or manner.
彼はいつも気取っていて、話しにくい。
He's always putting on airs and is hard to talk to.
気取らないで、もっと自然に話してください。
Don't put on airs; please speak more naturally.
Literally 'to act important-looking'. Describes someone who behaves arrogantly or condescendingly.
彼は偉そうに指示を出してくる。
He gives orders while putting on airs.
あの人はいつも偉そうにしているけど、実は大したことない。
That person always puts on airs, but actually isn't much.
To act bossy or domineering; to throw one's weight around. Implies arrogance and a desire to show power.
To act important or make a big show of something; to be pretentious or affected. Often used when someone is being unnecessarily dramatic or secretive.
To act prim, demure, or aloof; to put on a refined air. Often used for someone who acts distant or superior in a quiet way.
彼女は澄ました顔で座っている。
She sits there putting on airs with a prim expression.
気取る focuses on affected, pretentious behavior, often related to style or manner. 偉そうにする emphasizes arrogance and acting superior in a bossy way. Use 気取る for someone trying to look sophisticated, and 偉そうにする for someone acting like they are in charge.
Avoid directly translating 'put on airs' word-for-word. The Japanese expressions are idiomatic and context-dependent.
He's always putting on airs with his subordinates.
彼はもったいぶってなかなか本題に入らない。
He puts on airs and doesn't get to the point.