Translation guide
Describes someone who is slightly rude or disrespectful in a playful, amusing, or endearing way, often showing a lack of respect but not meant to seriously offend.
Describing a person, child, or remark that is slightly rude in a playful or amusing way, often seen as endearing rather than offensive.
The most common and direct equivalent. Often used for children or subordinates who act overly confident or talk back. Can be negative or endearing depending on context.
あの子は本当に生意気だ。
That kid is really cheeky.
生意気な口をきくな。
Don't be cheeky with me.
A slightly stronger or more emphatic version of 生意気, often used for someone who is young or in a lower position but acts cheeky.
小生意気なことを言うね。
You're being a bit cheeky, aren't you?
Means 'cheeky' in the sense of being shameless, impudent, or having a lot of nerve. More negative than 生意気, implying audacity.
図々しいお願いかもしれませんが…
This might be a cheeky request, but...
Similar to 図々しい, meaning impudent or brazen. Often used for someone who oversteps boundaries without shame.
厚かましいにもほどがある。
That's beyond cheeky; it's downright rude.
Describing a facial expression that is mischievous, playful, or slightly insolent.
Literally 'mischievous smile', this captures the playful, cheeky grin well.
彼はいたずらっぽい笑みを浮かべた。
He gave a cheeky grin.
A more direct translation using 生意気, implying a smile that shows impudence.
生意気な笑みを浮かべて、彼は答えた。
He answered with a cheeky smile.
Doing something slightly naughty or against the rules in a fun, harmless way.
Means 'mischief' or 'prank'. Often used for cheeky actions, especially by children.
子供のいたずらだから、許してあげて。
It's just a cheeky prank by a child, so please forgive him.
Kanji form of いたずら, often used in writing. Same meaning.
Describing someone who is playfully forward or teasing in a romantic or charming manner.
Slang meaning someone is being cheeky in a calculated, cute, or flirtatious way to get attention. Often used for women.
彼女のあざとい仕草にやられた。
I fell for her cheeky little gestures.
Describes someone who is cheeky in a shrewd, opportunistic way, often getting what they want while appearing innocent.
Avoid directly translating 'cheeky' as 頬っぺた (cheek). The English word refers to impudence, not the body part. Using 生意気 is the safest general equivalent.
生意気 is often used for children or juniors and can be endearing. 図々しい and 厚かましい are more negative and imply shamelessness or audacity, often used for adults overstepping social boundaries.
彼の悪戯にはいつも笑わされる。
His cheeky pranks always make me laugh.
彼はちゃっかり一番いい席を取っていた。
He cheekily took the best seat.