Translation guide
The English word "brazen" describes behavior that is bold, shameless, or disrespectful in a way that defies social norms. This guide helps learners express these nuances naturally in Japanese, from outright rudeness to fearless confidence.
To describe someone acting without shame, often in a way that shocks or offends others.
The most common and versatile word for 'brazen' in the sense of shameless, impudent, or pushy. It implies a lack of consideration for others and is used for people or their actions.
彼の図々しいお願いには驚いた。
I was surprised by his brazen request.
あの図々しい態度は許せない。
I can't forgive that brazen attitude.
Very similar to 図々しい, meaning shameless or impudent. Often interchangeable, but can sound slightly more formal or literary.
厚かましいお願いですが、もう一度チャンスをいただけませんか。
This is a brazen request, but could you give me another chance?
A literary term meaning 'brazen-faced' or 'shameless'. It literally means 'iron mask', implying an unflinching boldness. Rare in everyday speech.
彼は鉄面皮にもまた嘘をついた。
He brazenly lied again.
To describe someone who does something wrong openly, without trying to hide it, showing a defiant attitude.
A verb meaning to become defiant or brazen when caught or cornered. It describes the act of suddenly acting unashamed and confrontational.
彼はミスを指摘されると開き直った。
When his mistake was pointed out, he became brazen about it.
開き直って謝らないなんて信じられない。
I can't believe he's being so brazen and not apologizing.
An adverb meaning 'brazenly' or 'shamelessly', used when someone says or does something outrageous without any sign of guilt. Often used with verbs like 言う (say) or する (do).
彼はぬけぬけと嘘をついた。
He brazenly told a lie.
To describe someone who is daring or audacious, often in a positive or neutral sense, without the negative connotation of shame.
Means 'bold' or 'daring'. It can be used positively for courageous actions, but also for brazen behavior depending on context. It focuses on fearlessness rather than shamelessness.
彼女の大胆な提案に皆が驚いた。
Everyone was surprised by her brazen proposal.
大胆な行動に出る必要がある。
We need to take brazen action.
Means 'bold' or 'fearless', often with a nuance of being large-hearted or daring. More literary than 大胆.
To describe a facial expression or demeanor that shows no shame, often with a negative connotation.
Literally 'brazen face', used to describe someone who looks shameless or impudent.
彼はずうずうしい顔でまたお金を借りに来た。
He came to borrow money again with a brazen face.
Similar to ずうずうしい顔, meaning a shameless or impudent face.
厚かましい顔でよくそんなことが言えるね。
How can you say that with such a brazen face?
Both mean 'shameless' or 'brazen', but 図々しい is more common in everyday speech and often implies pushiness. 厚かましい can sound slightly more formal and is often used in set phrases like 厚かましいお願い (brazen request). They are largely interchangeable.
図々しいお願いで恐縮ですが、
I'm sorry for this brazen request, but...
厚かましいお願いで恐縮ですが、
I'm sorry for this brazen request, but...
Avoid directly translating 'brazen' as 真鍮の (brass) or 厚顔 (thick face) in most contexts. While 厚顔無恥 (こうがんむち) exists as a four-character idiom meaning 'brazen-faced and shameless', it is very literary and rarely used in conversation. Stick to 図々しい or 開き直る for natural Japanese.
彼は図々しくも試験でカンニングをしようとした。
He made a brazen attempt to cheat on the exam.
彼女は招待もなしにずうずうしく会議に入ってきた。
She brazenly walked into the meeting without an invitation.
A formal adverbial phrase meaning 'without shame' or 'brazenly'. It emphasizes the lack of embarrassment. More common in writing.
彼は臆面もなく自分の失敗を他人のせいにした。
He brazenly blamed others for his own failure.
彼は豪胆な投資家として知られている。
He is known as a brazen investor.