Translation guide
Expressing impudence in Japanese involves a range of words and phrases that convey cheekiness, insolence, or shamelessness. The most common and versatile term is 図々しい (zuuzuushii), describing someone who is brazen or has a lot of nerve. Other options include 厚かましい (atsukamashii) for shamelessness, 生意気 (namaiki) for cocky or cheeky behavior (often from a younger person), and ふてぶてしい (futebuteshii) for defiant impudence. The choice depends on the nuance: pushy vs. cheeky vs. defiant.
Describing someone who acts without shame, often taking advantage of others or overstepping boundaries.
The most common word for 'impudent' in the sense of being brazen, shameless, or having a lot of nerve. It implies a lack of consideration for others and a willingness to take advantage.
He had the nerve to come borrow money again.
This might be a brazen request, but could you give me a ride to the station?
Very similar to 図々しい, meaning shameless or impudent. Often interchangeable, but can sound slightly more formal or emphatic about the lack of shame.
I know it's shameless of me, but could I have another cup of coffee?
A literary or formal term meaning 'brazen-faced' or 'shameless'. It literally means 'iron mask', implying an unflinching, impudent attitude. Rare in everyday speech.
I am simply appalled at his brazen attitude.
Describing someone who is insolent or talks back, often with a sense of overconfidence or lack of respect for elders/superiors.
A na-adjective meaning cheeky, impertinent, or cocky. Often used for children or subordinates who act too big for their britches. Can be used in phrases like 生意気な口をきく (talk cheekily).
Don't talk back to me. / Don't be cheeky.
A more emphatic version of 生意気, meaning 'impudent little...' or 'cheeky brat'. Often used with a nuance of annoyance.
A formal or literary term meaning insolent, arrogant, or disrespectful. Often used in written contexts or formal criticism.
Describing someone who is unapologetically impudent, often with a defiant or bold attitude, not caring what others think.
An i-adjective meaning impudent, shameless, or brazen, with a nuance of defiance. It describes someone who is bold and unashamed in their bad behavior.
Even though he was late, he kept his defiant attitude.
A phrase meaning 'shameless' or 'without a trace of embarrassment'. It describes someone who does something impudent without showing any shame.
He shamelessly told a lie.
Describing impudence as a form of rudeness or disrespect, often in speech or behavior.
A na-adjective meaning rude, impolite, or insolent. It is a general term for disrespectful behavior, often used in formal contexts.
Such insolent language is not permitted.
A na-adjective meaning rude or impolite. It is the most common word for 'rude', but can also imply impudence in certain contexts. Often used in apologies (失礼しました).
図々しい and 厚かましい both mean shameless/brazen, but 図々しい is more common and emphasizes pushiness, while 厚かましい can sound slightly more formal. 生意気 is specifically for cheeky or cocky behavior, often from someone younger or lower in status. ふてぶてしい implies a defiant, unapologetic impudence, often with a bold facial expression or attitude.
There is no single verb 'to be impudent' in Japanese. Instead, use adjectives like 図々しい or 生意気 with the copula だ/です, or use verbs like 開き直る for the act of becoming defiant. Avoid trying to directly translate 'be' + 'impudent' as a verb phrase.
That kid is really cheeky.
What a cheeky little brat.
His insolent attitude angered his boss.
That impudent face of his makes me angry.
A verb meaning 'to become defiant' or 'to turn impudent', often when someone is caught and instead of apologizing, they become brazen. It describes the action of switching to an impudent attitude.
When his mistake was pointed out, he became defiant.
失礼なことを言うな。
Don't say rude things.