Meaning and Usage
The verb 威張る (いばる) means "to swagger," "to act arrogantly," or "to be proud in a boastful way." It often carries a negative nuance, implying that someone is showing off or acting superior to others.
Common Contexts
威張る is frequently used to describe people who behave in a domineering or boastful manner, especially in social or workplace settings. It can describe both casual and formal situations but usually has a critical tone.
Collocations and Patterns
- 威張る態度 (いばるたいど): an arrogant attitude
- 威張っている (いばっている): currently acting arrogantly
- 威張り散らす (いばりちらす): to swagger around aggressively
Nuances and Tips
When someone 威張る, they are often trying to assert dominance or impress others, but it usually annoys people around them. Be careful not to confuse 威張る with simply being proud of an achievement; 威張る implies an unpleasant boastfulness.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes use 威張る to mean just "to be proud" in a neutral or positive sense, but it generally has a negative or critical feeling. For neutral pride, words like 誇りに思う (ほこりにおもう) are better choices.