趾高气扬
趾高气扬 (zhǐ gāo qì yáng) literally means “toes high, spirits lifted” and expresses “strut arrogantly; be conceited”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character.
Also searched as: zhi gao qi yang, zhi gao qi yang,趾高气扬 meaning, 趾高气扬 in english
Strut arrogantly; be conceited
Pronunciation: zhǐ gāo qì yáng Literal meaning: Toes high, spirits lifted
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes walking with toes (趾) high (高) and spirits (气) raised (扬). It depicts someone strutting with such arrogance that even their toes seem elevated. The phrase captures the physical embodiment of pride in one's gait and bearing. Modern usage describes people who display obvious superiority complex through their demeanor and body language.
Examples
English: "He walked through the office with an insufferably superior attitude."
Chinese: 他趾高气扬地走过办公室。
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 趾高气扬 mean in English?
趾高气扬 (zhǐ gāo qì yáng) literally translates to “Toes high, spirits lifted” and is used to express “Strut arrogantly; be conceited”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 趾高气扬 used?
Situation: He walked through the office with an insufferably superior attitude.
What is the pinyin for 趾高气扬?
The pinyin pronunciation for 趾高气扬 is “zhǐ gāo qì yáng”.