Translation guide
Describes someone who is overly confident, often in a way that is annoying or disrespectful. Japanese has several expressions that capture this attitude, ranging from direct adjectives to descriptive phrases.
Describing a person who is too self-assured and acts superior.
A common adjective/noun meaning cheeky, impertinent, or cocky. Often used for someone who acts above their station, especially younger people.
あの新人は生意気だ。
That new guy is cocky.
生意気な口をきくな。
Don't talk so cocky.
Literally 'to become a tengu' (a mythical creature). Means to get a big head or become cocky due to success or praise.
彼は少し褒められるとすぐ天狗になる。
He gets cocky as soon as he's praised a little.
A verb phrase meaning to get carried away or push one's luck, often resulting in cocky behavior.
調子に乗るなよ。
Don't get cocky.
彼は成功して図に乗っている。
He's gotten cocky after his success.
A more formal and strong word for arrogant or haughty. Implies a deep-seated sense of superiority.
彼の傲慢な態度には我慢できない。
I can't stand his cocky attitude.
Means overbearing or arrogant, often used for someone who acts high-handedly. Less common in casual speech.
彼は部下に対して横柄だ。
He is cocky toward his subordinates.
Describing someone who is impudent or talks back, often in a playful or mildly annoying way.
Describing someone who is too sure of their skills, often leading to mistakes.
A noun/adjective meaning overconfidence or being overly self-assured. Directly captures the 'cocky' nuance.
彼は自信過剰で失敗した。
He failed because he was cocky.
自信過剰にならないように気をつけて。
Be careful not to get cocky.
A verb meaning to be conceited or vain, often implying a cocky self-image.
Means to get a swollen head or become cocky, often due to a little success.
生意気 (cheeky/cocky) is often used for someone who doesn't know their place, like a junior acting up. 傲慢 (arrogant) is stronger and implies a deep character flaw. Use 生意気 for everyday cockiness, 傲慢 for serious arrogance.
English 'cocky' can be translated directly as an adjective, but Japanese often uses verb phrases like 天狗になる or 図に乗る to describe the process of becoming cocky. Using 生意気 is safe for describing a person's attitude.
彼は昇進して少し天狗になった。
He got a little cocky after his promotion.
そんなに生意気になるな。
Don't be so cocky.
Literally 'mouth doesn't decrease', meaning someone always has a smart comeback or talks back cockily.
あいつは本当に口が減らないな。
He's really cocky, always talking back.
Refers to saying obnoxious or cocky things, often intentionally provocative.
彼はいつも憎まれ口を叩く。
He always says cocky things.
He's cocky about his talent.
ちょっと勝ったくらいで思い上がるな。
Don't get cocky just because you won a little.