成(な)り上(あ)がる

なりあがる
godan verb (intransitive)
to rise in status; to climb the social ladder
1. to rise in status; to climb the social ladder; to make it big
to rise from a humble position to a high social or economic status
貧(まず)しい家(いえ)から成(な)り上(あ)がった。
He rose from a poor family.
成(な)り上(あ)がり者(もの)と呼(よ)ばれる。
To be called a parvenu/nouveau riche.
一代(いちだい)で財(ざい)を築(きず)いて成(な)り上(あ)がった実業家(じつぎょうか)。
A businessman who built his fortune and rose to prominence in a single generation.

USAGE:

  • 成(な)り上(あ)がる (to rise in status)
  • 成(な)り上(あ)がり者(もの) (parvenu, upstart, nouveau riche)

NUANCE:
Often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying someone who has risen quickly but may lack the refinement or grace associated with established wealth/status. Similar to 'upstart' or 'nouveau riche' in English.

TRANSITIVITY:
Intransitive (自動詞(じどうし))

RELATED:

  • 成(な)り下(さ)がる (to sink, decline - antonym)
  • 出世(しゅっせ)する (to advance in career - neutral)
  • 立身出世(りっしんしゅっせ) (rising in the world)
general
Added 2026.1.25 17:06 · Revised 2026.2.19 21:32
08000/08205_nariagaru