1.
to swagger, to be bossy, to act big
To behave in an arrogant or domineering way, putting on an air of authority or importance. Implies looking down on others or throwing one's weight around. Almost always used with negative connotations.
そんなに威張るな。
Don't be so bossy.
彼は部下に威張ってばかりいる。
He does nothing but boss his subordinates around.
少し出世したからといって威張っている人は、周りから嫌われやすい。
People who act big just because they got a small promotion tend to be disliked by those around them.
PARTICLE PATTERNS:
- 〜に威張る: to boss around (someone), to act big toward
- 威張って: acting bossy, swaggering (te-form as adverbial)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 威張り散らす: to throw one's weight around (intensified)
- 大きな態度で威張る: to act arrogant with a big attitude
- 威張ってばかりいる: to be always acting bossy
USAGE:
Almost always negative. Not used for legitimate authority being exercised properly — only for arrogant or domineering behavior. Common in describing workplace bullies, self-important officials, or children bossing others around.