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.
I was surprised by his brazen request.
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.
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.
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.
When his mistake was pointed out, he became brazen about it.
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).
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.
Everyone was surprised by her brazen proposal.
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.
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.
I'm sorry for this brazen request, but...
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.
He made a brazen attempt to cheat on the exam.
She brazenly walked into the meeting without an invitation.
I can't believe he's being so brazen and not apologizing.
A formal adverbial phrase meaning 'without shame' or 'brazenly'. It emphasizes the lack of embarrassment. More common in writing.
He brazenly blamed others for his own failure.
We need to take brazen action.
彼は豪胆な投資家として知られている。
He is known as a brazen investor.