How to say "arrogance" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 傍若無人ぼうじゃくぶじんna-adjective, no-adjectiveA common four-character idiom for arrogance that shows itself in outrageous conduct: acting as though no one were around, with no consideration for the people nearby. It can also suggest audacity.
- 驕りおごりnounCovers arrogance as haughtiness or conceitedness — a swelled, self-satisfied attitude rather than outrageous behaviour. A less common word, close in sense to 驕慢 but with conceit more to the fore.
- 驕慢きょうまんnoun, na-adjectiveA less common word for arrogance and haughtiness, with pride added to the picture; in sense it sits close to 驕り. Unlike 傍若無人, it names the attitude itself rather than behaviour.
- 傲岸無礼ごうがんぶれいnounA four-character idiom for arrogance with an insolent edge: overbearing pride that shows in disrespectful treatment of others. A less common word, narrower than a general term for arrogance.
- 驕傲きょうごうnoun, na-adjectiveA less common, formal or literary term for pride and arrogance; it is seldom the word you want for ordinary reference to someone's arrogance.
For arrogance that shows itself in outrageous behaviour, ignoring everyone around, the common word is 傍若無人; 「驕り」 and 驕慢 are less common nouns for haughty arrogance; 傲岸無礼 adds insolence, and 驕傲 is formal or literary.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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