Translation guide
The English word 'immodest' can describe behavior, clothing, or attitudes that are considered inappropriate, boastful, or lacking humility. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; the best translation depends on the specific nuance.
Describing a person or statement that shows too much pride in oneself or one's achievements.
Often used for someone (especially younger) who is cocky, impertinent, or full of themselves. Can be used for immodest boasting.
彼の生意気な態度には腹が立つ。
His immodest attitude is annoying.
Describes a manner of speaking or acting that is boastful, showing off one's accomplishments.
彼女は自慢げに新しい車の話をした。
She talked about her new car in an immodest way.
Literally 'lacks humility'. A direct way to describe someone who is not modest.
彼は自分の成功について謙虚さがない。
He is immodest about his success.
Means arrogant or haughty. Stronger than 'immodest' and implies a sense of superiority.
彼の傲慢な振る舞いは周囲を不快にさせた。
His immodest behavior made everyone uncomfortable.
Referring to clothing that is too revealing or behavior that is considered improper in a sexual sense.
Common phrase meaning 'high degree of exposure', used for revealing clothing.
そのドレスは露出度が高すぎる。
That dress is too immodest.
Literally 'expose too much skin'. Used to criticize immodest clothing.
あの服は肌を露出しすぎだよ。
Those clothes are too immodest.
Means indecent, lewd, or obscene. Stronger and more judgmental than 'immodest'.
Acting in a way that exceeds what is appropriate for one's position or relationship, often by being too bold or forward.
Describes someone who is shamelessly bold, impudent, or pushy. Often used for immodest requests or behavior.
そんなお願いをするなんて図々しいね。
It's immodest of you to ask for such a thing.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all meanings of 'immodest'. Using a word like 傲慢 (arrogant) for clothing would be incorrect. Always consider the specific nuance: boastful, revealing, or presumptuous.
生意気 is often used for younger people or subordinates who act too big for their britches, while 図々しい is more about shamelessly taking advantage of a situation. Both can translate 'immodest' depending on context.
You should avoid immodest clothing.
Similar to 図々しい, meaning brazen or impudent. Often interchangeable.
彼の厚かましい態度には驚いた。
I was surprised by his immodest attitude.
Means meddlesome or presumptuous, often used when someone offers unsolicited advice or help in an immodest way.
差し出がましいようですが、一言申し上げます。
I hope I'm not being immodest, but let me say one thing.