fei1 joeng4 bat6 wu6飛揚跋扈飞扬跋扈
Jyutpingfei1 joeng4 bat6 wu6
Yalefēi yèuhng baht wuh
Definition
Arrogant, domineering, and completely disregarding of others.
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How it's used
This idiom carries a strong negative connotation, describing someone who is not just confident but actively oppressive and disrespectful of others. It is often used to criticize people in positions of power who abuse their authority. Because it is a formal four-character idiom, using it in casual conversation can make your speech sound quite dramatic or literary.
Examples
He acts in an arrogant and domineering way at work, which is very annoying.
Why is he being so arrogant and overbearing towards his colleagues?
Related words
Common phrases
an arrogant and domineering attitude
an overbearing personality
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple adjective like 'proud' or 'rude', but it implies a specific type of unchecked, aggressive behavior that disregards social norms. It is not appropriate for describing someone who is merely shy or quiet.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
