Translation guide
Impudence refers to rude, disrespectful, or shamelessly bold behavior or speech. In Japanese, expressing this concept depends on the nuance: cheeky boldness, shamelessness, or outright insolence. The most common and versatile word is 生意気 (namaiki), used for someone acting above their station. For more serious disrespect, 無礼 (burei) or 失礼 (shitsurei) are used. Shameless audacity is captured by 厚かましい (atsukamashii) or 図々しい (zuuzuushii).
Describes someone (often younger or lower status) who speaks or behaves with unwarranted confidence or disrespect.
A na-adjective meaning cheeky, impudent, or cocky. Commonly used for children, juniors, or subordinates who act too big for their britches.
Don't talk back to me like that.
That kid is really cheeky.
A slightly stronger or more colloquial version of 生意気, emphasizing petty impudence.
You're being a little smart-mouth, aren't you?
Describes behavior that is brazen, thick-skinned, or lacking proper shame, often in social situations.
An i-adjective meaning shameless, brazen, or impudent. Used when someone has the nerve to do something inappropriate.
This is a shameless request, but could you lend me some money?
A noun or na-adjective meaning brazen, shameless, or impudent. Literally 'iron mask', it is a stronger, more literary term.
Describes behavior or speech that shows a lack of respect, often in formal or hierarchical contexts.
A na-adjective or noun meaning rude, impolite, or insolent. Often used for serious breaches of etiquette.
Rude behavior will not be tolerated.
A na-adjective or noun meaning rude or impolite. It is slightly milder than 無礼 and very common in daily apologies.
A na-adjective or noun meaning arrogant, insolent, or impudent. Often used in written or formal contexts.
Focuses on the act of speaking impudently, often talking back or using disrespectful language.
生意気 (namaiki) is for cheeky, cocky behavior, often from someone younger or lower in status. 厚かましい (atsukamashii) is for shameless, brazen actions that ignore social norms. 無礼 (burei) is a formal term for outright rudeness or insolence, often in hierarchical settings.
English 'impudence' covers a range from cheeky to insolent. Direct translations like 'impudence' as a noun are rarely used in natural Japanese. Instead, use adjectives like 生意気な or 厚かましい, or describe the action.
彼は厚かましくも無断で私の車を使った。
He had the impudence to use my car without permission.
An i-adjective meaning shameless, impudent, or brazen. Often implies a persistent, pushy attitude.
There's a limit to how shameless you can be.
I was appalled by his brazen attitude.
He spoke rudely to his superior.
I said something rude.
不遜な態度が上司の怒りを買った。
His insolent attitude angered his boss.
He was fired for hurling abuse at his boss.