横柄

• Reading: おうへい
• Romaji: ouhei
• Kanji breakdown: 横 (ō) — sideways, unreasonable; 柄 (hei) — handle, pattern, character
• Pronunciation: /oː.heː/

Meaning

Arrogant; haughty; insolent. Describes an overbearing attitude toward others.

A na-adjective and noun describing a domineering, condescending attitude. Often used to criticize someone who behaves as if they are superior — 横柄な態度 (an arrogant attitude), 横柄な口調 (an insolent tone). Strongly negative in connotation, suggesting someone who disrespects others by looking down on them.

Examples

1. 店員に横柄な態度を取る客は嫌われる。 Customers who act arrogantly toward store staff are disliked.
2. 上司の横柄な物言いに耐えられなくなった。 I couldn't take my boss's arrogant way of speaking anymore.
3. どんなに成功しても横柄にならないようにしたい。 No matter how successful I become, I want to avoid being arrogant.

Usage Guide

Context: criticism, workplace, social behavior, personality

Tone: negative

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 横 (ō, sideways/unreasonable) + 柄 (hei, handle/pattern). The character 横 carries a sense of being unreasonable or going sideways from the proper path, combined with 柄 suggesting manner or bearing.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal