Translation guide
The English word "audacity" can express boldness, nerve, or insolence. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression based on whether the audacity is admirable, shocking, or rude.
Expressing admiration for someone's fearless, bold action.
The most direct equivalent for boldness or daring, often positive. Can be used for actions or character.
I was amazed by his audacity.
Guts, nerve, or courage. Often used in phrases like 度胸がある (to have guts). Slightly more colloquial than 大胆さ.
He has some audacity to say something like that.
Courage, bravery. A more general term, but can be used when audacity implies courage.
She had the audacity to speak the truth.
Expressing shock or disapproval at someone's rude or disrespectful behavior.
Impudence, shamelessness. The most common word for negative audacity. Often used in the adjective form 厚かましい.
I was appalled by his audacity.
It's audacious of you to ask such a thing.
Shamelessness, impudence, often with a nuance of being pushy or presumptuous. Stronger than 厚かましさ.
Cheeky, impertinent. Often used for younger people or subordinates acting above their station.
An interjection expressing disbelief at someone's audacity. Often followed by a verb like 言う or する.
Describing an action or idea that is strikingly original or daring, often in art, business, or design.
Both mean impudence, but 図々しさ implies a more persistent, pushy attitude. 厚かましさ is more about lack of shame in a single act.
Do not directly translate "audacity" as 大胆さ in negative contexts. Use 厚かましさ or 図々しさ for rudeness.
I'm speechless at his audacity.
生意気な口をきくな。
Don't talk with such audacity.
How audacious of you to say such a thing.
その斬新なデザインは注目を集めた。
The audacious design attracted attention.