Translation guide
Describes someone who is overly confident, often in a way that is annoying or disrespectful. Japanese has several expressions that capture this attitude, ranging from direct adjectives to descriptive phrases.
Describing a person who is too self-assured and acts superior.
A common adjective/noun meaning cheeky, impertinent, or cocky. Often used for someone who acts above their station, especially younger people.
That new guy is cocky.
Don't talk so cocky.
Literally 'to become a tengu' (a mythical creature). Means to get a big head or become cocky due to success or praise.
He gets cocky as soon as he's praised a little.
A verb phrase meaning to get carried away or push one's luck, often resulting in cocky behavior.
Don't get cocky.
He's gotten cocky after his success.
A more formal and strong word for arrogant or haughty. Implies a deep-seated sense of superiority.
I can't stand his cocky attitude.
Means overbearing or arrogant, often used for someone who acts high-handedly. Less common in casual speech.
He is cocky toward his subordinates.
Describing someone who is impudent or talks back, often in a playful or mildly annoying way.
A slightly stronger or more emphatic version of 生意気, meaning cheeky or cocky, often used for children or juniors.
What a cocky little kid.
Literally 'mouth doesn't decrease', meaning someone always has a smart comeback or talks back cockily.
Describing someone who is too sure of their skills, often leading to mistakes.
A noun/adjective meaning overconfidence or being overly self-assured. Directly captures the 'cocky' nuance.
He failed because he was cocky.
A verb meaning to be conceited or vain, often implying a cocky self-image.
Means to get a swollen head or become cocky, often due to a little success.
生意気 (cheeky/cocky) is often used for someone who doesn't know their place, like a junior acting up. 傲慢 (arrogant) is stronger and implies a deep character flaw. Use 生意気 for everyday cockiness, 傲慢 for serious arrogance.
English 'cocky' can be translated directly as an adjective, but Japanese often uses verb phrases like 天狗になる or 図に乗る to describe the process of becoming cocky. Using 生意気 is safe for describing a person's attitude.
He got a little cocky after his promotion.
Don't be so cocky.
He's really cocky, always talking back.
Refers to saying obnoxious or cocky things, often intentionally provocative.
He always says cocky things.
Be careful not to get cocky.
彼は自分の才能にうぬぼれている。
He's cocky about his talent.
Don't get cocky just because you won a little.