(いっぱし)

いっぱし
adverb, noun
full-fledged; respectable; as good as anyone
1. full-fledged; respectable; as good as anyone
Describes someone or something that has reached a level considered competent or respectable, often with an ironic or self-deprecating tone suggesting the person may not fully deserve the status.
一端(いっぱし)大人(おとな)のつもりだ。
He thinks he's a full-fledged adult.
一端(いっぱし)料理人(りょうりにん)気取(きど)りで台所(だいどころ)()っている。
He's standing in the kitchen acting like a real chef.
まだ学生(がくせい)のくせに、一端(いっぱし)(くち)()く。
He's still a student, yet he talks as if he's someone important.

Often carries an ironic, slightly mocking, or self-deprecating nuance. Used when someone acts as if they are fully qualified or experienced, sometimes without the substance to back it up. Can also be used warmly to acknowledge someone's growth.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 一端(いっぱし)大人(おとな): a respectable adult
  • 一端(いっぱし)社会人(しゃかいじん): a proper member of society
  • 一端(いっぱし)(くち)()く: to talk big, to speak as if one is important
  • 一端(いっぱし)(かお)をする: to put on airs of being someone

NOTE:
The same kanji 一端(いったん) (read いったん) means "one end" or "a part" and is a completely different word. This entry covers only the いっぱし reading.

REGISTER:
Slightly colloquial. Common in spoken language and informal writing.