偉そう

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 偉そう is read as えらそう and is the adjective 偉い plus appearance-marking そう, describing someone who comes across as self-important or overbearing.
• Basic usage: Use 偉そうな口 before a noun and 偉そうに命令する to modify how an action is performed.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Evaluation, not praise
  • 偉い can praise genuine greatness, but 偉そう usually criticizes the appearance of superiority regardless of merit.
• な and に
  • 偉そうな modifies a person, manner, or attitude; 偉そうに modifies the way someone speaks or gives orders.