Translation guide
The English word "impertinent" can mean rude/disrespectful or irrelevant/not pertinent. This guide focuses on the rude/disrespectful sense, which is more common in modern usage, and briefly covers the less common irrelevant sense.
Describing someone or their behavior as showing a lack of respect, especially by being too bold or forward, often to a superior or elder.
The most common and natural way to describe someone (often younger) as impertinent, cheeky, or cocky. It implies they are acting above their station.
Describing a remark or detail that is not relevant to the matter at hand. This sense is less common in modern English.
生意気 is typically used for children or subordinates. Using it for a superior or in a formal situation can sound even more impertinent. Use 失礼 or 無礼 instead.
失礼 is the most common word for 'rude' and can be used in everyday apologies. 無礼 is stronger and more formal, often implying insolence or contempt.
That kid is really impertinent.
生意気な口をきくな。
Don't talk back to me like that. (lit. Don't speak impertinently.)
Means rude or disrespectful. It is a broader term than 生意気 and can be used in more formal contexts. Often used to apologize for being impertinent.
失礼な質問かもしれませんが、お年はおいくつですか。
This may be an impertinent question, but how old are you?
彼の態度は失礼だった。
His attitude was impertinent.
Means impolite or impertinent, often with a nuance of being insolent. Slightly more formal and stronger than 失礼.
そのような無礼な振る舞いは許されない。
Such impertinent behavior is unacceptable.
Means shameless, impudent, or impertinent in a pushy, thick-skinned way. Often used when someone takes liberties.
図々しいお願いですが、車で駅まで送っていただけませんか。
This is an impertinent request, but could you give me a ride to the station?
Similar to 図々しい, meaning brazen or impertinent. Often used for someone who is overly familiar or makes unreasonable requests.
厚かましいとは思いますが、もう一度チャンスをいただけませんか。
I know it's impertinent of me, but could I have another chance?
Means unrelated or irrelevant. The most straightforward way to express that something is not pertinent.
その指摘は問題に無関係だ。
That remark is impertinent to the issue.
Means off the point, irrelevant, or impertinent. Often used when a comment misses the mark.
彼の意見は的外れだった。
His opinion was impertinent (irrelevant).
Means off the mark, irrelevant, or impertinent. Similar to 的外れ but slightly more formal.
その質問は見当違いだ。
That question is impertinent (irrelevant).