Translation guide
The English word 'impudent' describes behavior or speech that is disrespectful, bold, or shamelessly rude, often toward someone who deserves respect. In Japanese, expressing this concept depends heavily on the relationship, context, and degree of rudeness. Common translations include 生意気 (cheeky, often for younger people), 厚かましい (shameless, pushy), and 図々しい (brazen, thick-skinned). Direct translations can sound unnatural; Japanese often uses situation-specific phrases or implies impudence through tone and word choice.
Describes a child, junior, or subordinate acting overly confident or disrespectful, often talking back or acting above their station.
The most common word for 'impudent' in the sense of cheeky or sassy. Often used for children, students, or juniors who act too big for their britches. Can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
あの子は本当に生意気だ。
That kid is really impudent.
生意気な口をきくな。
Don't talk back to me like that.
Literally 'to give mouth-answer,' meaning to talk back or answer impudently. Used for verbal backtalk.
親に口答えをするなんて生意気だ。
Talking back to your parents is impudent.
A stronger, more colloquial version of 生意気, often used for someone who is particularly cheeky or impertinent, sometimes with a nuance of being precocious.
小生意気なガキだな。
What a cheeky little brat.
Describes someone who acts without shame, often making unreasonable requests or taking liberties, showing a lack of consideration for others.
Means thick-skinned, shameless, or impudent in a pushy way. Used when someone asks for too much or acts without embarrassment.
そんなお願いをするなんて厚かましいですよ。
It's impudent of you to ask such a favor.
彼は厚かましくも無料で手伝ってくれと言った。
He had the impudence to ask me to help for free.
Literally 'iron face skin,' a more literary term for shamelessness or brazen impudence. Not common in daily speech.
Describes behavior that shows a lack of respect for someone in a higher position, such as a boss, teacher, or elder. Often involves a direct challenge to authority.
A formal word for insolence or arrogance, often used in written contexts or serious situations. Implies a haughty, disrespectful attitude toward superiors.
彼の不遜な態度は上司の怒りを買った。
His impudent attitude angered his boss.
Means rude or impolite, often used for behavior that violates social etiquette. Can be used for impudence when it crosses into disrespect.
Colloquial phrase meaning 'attitude that looks down on someone.' Implies impudence through underestimating or disrespecting someone.
舐めた態度を取ると痛い目を見るぞ。
If you act impudent, you'll regret it.
Focuses on the way someone speaks: using a tone that is disrespectfully casual, sarcastic, or clever in a rude way.
Literally 'to beat a mouth that doesn't decrease,' meaning to talk back impudently or keep making cheeky remarks. Often used for someone who won't shut up with the sass.
減らず口を叩くんじゃない。
Don't give me your impudent lip.
Refers to spiteful or impudent remarks, often said to provoke or annoy. Implies a sharp tongue.
彼はいつも憎まれ口ばかり叩いている。
He's always making impudent remarks.
厚かましい focuses on shamelessness in making requests or taking liberties. 図々しい adds a nuance of persistence and brazenness, often ignoring social cues. 生意気 is specifically about cheekiness from someone of lower status, like a child or junior. Using 生意気 for an adult peer can sound condescending.
厚かましいお願いですが、車を貸していただけませんか。
This is an impudent request, but could you lend me your car?
図々しくもまた金を借りに来た。
He had the impudence to come borrow money again.
生意気な後輩だ。
What an impudent junior colleague.
Avoid directly translating 'impudent' into a single Japanese word in every context. Japanese often expresses the idea through phrases like 図に乗る (get carried away) or 付け上がる (become impudent due to indulgence). Consider the relationship and situation before choosing a word.
Similar to 厚かましい but often implies a more persistent, brazen attitude. Someone who is 図々しい doesn't take hints and keeps pushing.
図々しいにもほどがある。
There's a limit to how impudent you can be.
彼の鉄面皮ぶりには呆れる。
I'm amazed at his impudence.
Stop being impudent to your elders.