Translation guide
Expresses shameless boldness or insolent audacity. In Japanese, this is often conveyed through descriptive phrases, specific nouns, or idiomatic expressions rather than a single direct equivalent.
Describing someone's audacious, brazen behavior that shows a lack of respect or shame.
Noun meaning shamelessness or impudence. Commonly used to describe someone's audacious attitude.
彼の厚かましさには驚いた。
I was amazed at his effrontery.
Noun meaning impudence or shamelessness, often with a nuance of being pushy or overly familiar.
Emphasizing the disrespectful and daring nature of the act, often in a confrontational context.
Both mean shamelessness, but 厚かましさ focuses on the lack of shame in making bold requests or actions, while 図々しさ often implies a pushy, persistent attitude that ignores social boundaries.
厚かましいお願いですが、お金を貸していただけませんか。
This is an effrontery, but could you lend me some money?
図々しくもまたタダで食べに来た。
He had the effrontery to come eat for free again.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'effrontery' in all contexts. Using a literal translation like '厚顔' (thick face) is rare and may sound unnatural. Instead, choose a word or phrase based on the specific nuance: shamelessness, insolence, or audacity.
あの人の図々しさには呆れる。
I'm disgusted by that person's effrontery.
Idiomatic phrase literally meaning 'the skin of one's face is thick,' used to describe someone who is brazen or shameless.
よくそんなことが言えるね。面の皮が厚いよ。
How can you say such a thing? You have some effrontery.
Literary or formal term for shamelessness, literally 'iron face.' Used in written language or formal contexts.
彼の鉄面皮ぶりには言葉もない。
I am speechless at his effrontery.
Na-adjective meaning cheeky, impertinent, or insolent. Often used for younger people or subordinates acting above their station.
生意気な口をきくな。
Don't talk with such effrontery.
Noun or na-adjective meaning arrogance or insolence, often used in formal or written contexts.
彼の不遜な態度は許せない。
I cannot forgive his effrontery.
Colloquial phrase meaning to act disrespectfully or to take someone lightly, implying effrontery.
舐めた真似をすると痛い目にあうぞ。
If you act with such effrontery, you'll regret it.