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.
That kid is really impudent.
Don't talk back to me like that.
Literally 'to give mouth-answer,' meaning to talk back or answer impudently. Used for verbal backtalk.
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.
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.
It's impudent of you to ask such a favor.
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.
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.
Focuses on the way someone speaks: using a tone that is disrespectfully casual, sarcastic, or clever in a rude way.
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.
This is an impudent request, but could you lend me your car?
He had the impudence to come borrow money again.
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.
He had the impudence to ask me to help for free.
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.
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.
目上の人に無礼な口をきくのはやめなさい。
Stop being impudent to your elders.
If you act impudent, you'll regret it.
Refers to spiteful or impudent remarks, often said to provoke or annoy. Implies a sharp tongue.
He's always making impudent remarks.