Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Arrogant" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "arrogant", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
高慢
こうまん (kōman)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
横柄
おうへい (ōhei)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "arrogant" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 高慢 and 横柄.
In Japanese, 高慢 (こうまん (kōman)) is typically associated with "arrogant; haughty; proud; conceited" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to an arrogant, haughty, proud, or conceited attitude, looking down on others. Often used as 高慢な.
On the other hand, 横柄 (おうへい (ōhei)) maps to "arrogant; insolent; domineering; haughty manner; patronizing" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a domineering, arrogant, or haughty manner, particularly toward subordinates or customers. Often used as 横柄な. A literal translation of "arrogant" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "高慢"
どれだけ高い実績を上げても、_______な態度の人はチームから孤立してしまいます。
No matter how high an achievement you reach, an arrogant person will be isolated from the team.
Bilingual Context for "横柄"
どんなに高い社会的地位にあっても、店員に対して_______な態度を取る人は尊敬されません。
No matter how high a social status they hold, people who take an arrogant attitude toward store clerks are not respected.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "どれだけ高い実績を上げても、_______な態度の人はチームから孤立してしまいます。" (Meaning: "No matter how high an achievement you reach, an arrogant person will be isolated from the team.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "高慢" fits here because it means "arrogant; haughty; proud; conceited" in the context of: "No matter how high an achievement you reach, an arrogant person will be isolated from the team.". "横柄" represents "arrogant; insolent; domineering; haughty manner; patronizing".