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.
彼は尊大な態度を取る。
He takes a haughty attitude.
尊大な物言いが周囲の反感を買った。
His arrogant way of speaking invited resentment from those around him.
あの上司は部下に対して尊大にふるまうので、誰からも好かれていない。
That boss acts overbearing toward his subordinates, so nobody likes him.
Composed of 尊 (noble, revered) + 大 (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:
- 尊大な態度: haughty attitude
- 尊大な物言い: arrogant way of speaking
- 尊大にふるまう: to behave arrogantly
- 尊大な人: arrogant person
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 傲慢: arrogant — similar meaning but emphasizes insolent disregard for others
- 横柄: domineering — implies rudeness and high-handedness in manner
- 偉そう: acting important — a more colloquial way to describe someone putting on airs
- 謙虚: modest, humble — the opposite quality