1.
majestic; grand; dignified; imposing
Having or displaying a commanding, awe-inspiring, and dignified presence. A four-character idiom (四字熟語) describing someone or something that exudes authority and magnificence.
威風堂々と歩く。
To walk with dignity and grandeur.
威風堂々とした態度で演説した。
He gave the speech with an imposing demeanor.
城は威風堂々たる姿で山の上にそびえている。
The castle stands majestically atop the mountain.
A 四字熟語 (four-character idiom) composed of 威風 (dignified air, majesty) + 堂々 (grand, imposing). Describes a powerful, awe-inspiring presence.
LITERAL MEANING:
威 (authority) + 風 (manner) + 堂 (stately) + 堂 (stately) — "an authoritative manner, grandly stately."
USAGE:
- As an adverb: 威風堂々と + verb
- As a modifier: 威風堂々とした + noun / 威風堂々たる + noun
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 威風堂々と構える: to assume a dignified stance
- 威風堂々とした姿: a majestic figure
- 威風堂々たる態度: an imposing attitude
CULTURAL NOTE:
Also the Japanese title of Edward Elgar's famous march "Pomp and Circumstance" (威風堂々), well known in Japan as a graduation ceremony piece.