Translation and Meaning of: 威張る - ibaru

If you have ever watched an anime or Japanese drama, you have probably heard someone say 威張る (いばる) with a tone of disapproval. This word, which means "to be proud" or "to flaunt oneself," carries a negative nuance, almost like a warning: "Don't be arrogant!". But where does this term come from? How is it used in everyday life? And why do the Japanese associate this behavior so strongly with an unpleasant posture? Here on Suki Nihongo, in addition to discovering the meaning and origin of 威張る, you will learn how to write it correctly in kanji and also get some ready-made sentences to include in your Anki.

What is interesting is that, despite seeming simple, いばる has a layered etymology. The kanji 威, for example, is not there by chance — it carries the idea of "authority" or "intimidation," something that makes perfect sense when we think about the meaning of the word. And if you've ever wondered why the Japanese have so many expressions to criticize arrogance, the answer may lie precisely in the culture of humility that permeates the country.

Etymology and Kanji: What does 威張る really hide?

The verb 威張る is composed of two kanji: 威 (い), which means "authority" or "power," and 張る (はる), which can be translated as "to stretch" or "to tense." Together, they paint the image of someone who "stretches their authority," almost as if they are puffing out their chest to appear larger than they are. It's no wonder that the word carries a negative connotation — nobody likes someone who boasts too much, right?

Interestingly, the kanji 威 also appears in words like 威圧 (いあつ, "intimidation") and 威嚇 (いかく, "threat"), which reinforces this idea of imposition. On the other hand, 張る is a versatile verb, used in contexts ranging from "stretching a rubber band" (輪ゴムを張る) to "maintaining a posture" (姿勢を張る). When combined, these ideograms create a visually powerful expression to describe a behavior that, at its core, tries to conceal insecurities.

Everyday lies: When do the Japanese say いばる?

In practice, 威張る is used to describe someone who acts with superiority without real reason. Imagine a boss who boasts about small achievements or a colleague who always needs to show that they know more than others — these are the typical cases where a Japanese person would say "いばってるよ" (acting cocky). It is common to hear this word in informal contexts, especially among friends or family, almost like a gentle reprimand.

An interesting cultural detail: in Japan, where modesty is highly valued, behaviors that in other cultures might go unnoticed are quickly labeled as いばり. Have you noticed how some Japanese executives make a point of appearing humble even while holding high positions? That's right, society there has zero tolerance for those who "stretch their authority" unnecessarily. Even in animes, this is clear — characters who 威張る too much often receive a lesson in humility before the episode ends.

Tips for memorizing and not forgetting

If you want to fixate on 威張る once and for all, try associating the kanji 威 with a person striking a "boss" pose, hands on hips and chest puffed out. Meanwhile, 張る can be remembered by the image of someone "stretching" their ego like a balloon about to burst. This silly visualization helps not to confuse it with similar words like 怒る (おこる, "to get angry") or 変わる (かわる, "to change").

Another practical tip is to create sentences with real situations: "先輩がいばって話していた" (The senpai was speaking arrogantly) or "いばらないでください" (Please, don't be arrogant). Put these sentences in your review deck and, when they come up, try to imagine the scene — it works better than just memorizing in isolation. And if one day you hear a Japanese person say "いばってるね", you already know: it's time to humble yourself!

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 威張る

• 威張る: base form/informal
• 威張ります: polite/formal form
• 威張りました: past
• 威張れば: Conditional
• 威張らない: Negative

Synonyms and similar words

• 威勢を振るう (isei o furuu) - Display vigor or bravery
• 自慢する (jiman suru) - to boast, to brag
• 大言壮語する (taigen sougo suru) - Speak in a grandiose manner, make big promises.
• うぬぼれる (unuboreru) - Feeling superior, being arrogant
• 気取る (kidoru) - To act affected, to adorn oneself.

威張る

Romaji: ibaru
Kana: いばる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: be proud; strut

Meaning in English: to be proud;to swagger

Definition: Show your power or status. Show an arrogant attitude.

Example Sentences - (威張る) ibaru

See below some example sentences:

彼は威張っている。

Kare wa ibaru te iru

He is showing off.

He is worthy.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 威張っている - Japanese verb that means "showing off" or "boasting."