何様のつもり？
nanisama no tsumori?
The English phrase "who do you think you are?" can be translated into Japanese as 何様のつもり？ (nanisama no tsumori?)
This phrase is a rhetorical question used to rebuke someone who is acting arrogant, overstepping their bounds or behaving with unearned authority. It criticizes a person for acting as if they are more important or powerful than they actually are.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 何様 (nanisama) is a sarcastic way to ask "what kind of high-ranking person" someone thinks they are.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 何様のつもり？ is informal and highly confrontational. It is typically used in heated arguments or when expressing extreme indignation. Another informal way to say this is Kimi wa dare da to omotte iru no?, where dare means "who".
How does it change in a sentence?
You can make the phrase sound more assertive, masculine or confrontational by adding the copula だ (da) to the end, resulting in 何様のつもりだ？
How do you pronounce it?
nanisama no tsumori?
Did you know?
- Using 何様のつもり？ toward a boss or superior in a Japanese office is often described as 'social suicide', as it is far more aggressive than saying 'who do you think you are?' in English.
- The word 様 (sama) is an honorific that serves as the foundation for many of the most polite forms of speech in Japan. Using it inside the question 何様 (nanisama) is a linguistic paradox that turns a mark of respect into a weapon of mockery.
- The term つもり (tsumori) is usually used to discuss a person's future intentions or plans. In this context, it is repurposed to mock the listener's internal, delusional perception of their own importance.
Examples in context
- 突然命令して、何様のつもり？totsuzen meirei shite, nanisama no tsumori?Suddenly ordering me around, who do you think you are?
Example conversation
Two friends are arguing after one person makes an arrogant comment.
- 美咲 Misaki何様のつもり？nanisama no tsumori?Who do you think you are?
- 大翔 Hirotoそんなに怒る必要はないだろ。sonna ni okoru hitsuyou wa nai daro.There is no need to get that angry.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔の言い方は失礼すぎるわ。haruto no iikata wa shitsurei sugiru wa.The way you speak is too rude, Haruto.
- 大翔 Hiroto悪かったよ、ごめん。warukatta yo, gomen.My bad, sorry.
