尊大(そんだい)

そんだい
na-adjective
haughty; arrogant; overbearing
personality
1. haughty; arrogant; overbearing; self-important
Describes an attitude of looking down on others and behaving as though one is superior. Strongly negative in connotation.
彼(かれ)は尊大(そんだい)な態度(たいど)を取(と)る。
He takes a haughty attitude.
尊大(そんだい)な物言(ものい)いが周囲(しゅうい)の反感(はんかん)を買(か)った。
His arrogant way of speaking invited resentment from those around him.
あの上司(じょうし)は部下(ぶか)に対(たい)して尊大(そんだい)にふるまうので、誰(だれ)からも好(す)かれていない。
That boss acts overbearing toward his subordinates, so nobody likes him.

Composed of 尊(そん) (noble, revered) + 大(だい) (great, big). Despite the positive meaning of its components, the word is entirely negative, describing someone who acts as if they are more important than others. It implies a conscious, deliberate display of superiority rather than mere confidence.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 傲慢(ごうまん): arrogant — similar meaning but emphasizes insolent disregard for others
  • 横柄(おうへい): domineering — implies rudeness and high-handedness in manner
  • 偉(えら)そう: acting important — a more colloquial way to describe someone putting on airs
  • 謙虚(けんきょ): modest, humble — the opposite quality

Related Words

Compare: 傲慢(ごうまん) (arrogant)
Compare: 横柄(おうへい) (domineering)
Compare: 偉そう (acting important)
Compare: 謙虚(けんきょ) (modest, humble)
Related: 傍若無人(ぼうじゃくぶじん) (arrogant, behaving as if no one else exists)
Compare: 高慢(こうまん) (arrogant)
general
Added 2026.4.7 2:29 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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