(いふうどうどう)

いふうどうどう
noun
majestic; grand; dignified; imposing
1. majestic; grand; dignified; imposing
Having or displaying a commanding, awe-inspiring, and dignified presence. A four-character idiom (四字熟語(よじじゅくご)) describing someone or something that exudes authority and magnificence.
威風堂々(いふうどうどう)(ある)く。
To walk with dignity and grandeur.
威風堂々(いふうどうどう)とした態度(たいど)演説(えんぜつ)した。
He gave the speech with an imposing demeanor.
(しろ)威風堂々(いふうどうどう)たる姿(すがた)(やま)(うえ)にそびえている。
The castle stands majestically atop the mountain.

A 四字熟語(よじじゅくご) (four-character idiom) composed of 威風(いふう) (dignified air, majesty) + 堂々(どうどう) (grand, imposing). Describes a powerful, awe-inspiring presence.

LITERAL MEANING:
() (authority) + (ふう) (manner) + (どう) (stately) + (どう) (stately) — "an authoritative manner, grandly stately."

USAGE:

  • As an adverb: 威風堂々(いふうどうどう)と + verb
  • As a modifier: 威風堂々(いふうどうどう)とした + noun / 威風堂々(いふうどうどう)たる + noun

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 威風堂々(いふうどうどう)(かま)える: to assume a dignified stance
  • 威風堂々(いふうどうどう)とした姿(すがた): a majestic figure
  • 威風堂々(いふうどうどう)たる態度(たいど): an imposing attitude

CULTURAL NOTE:
Also the Japanese title of Edward Elgar's famous march "Pomp and Circumstance" (威風堂々(いふうどうどう)), well known in Japan as a graduation ceremony piece.