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.
生意気な口をきくな。
Don't talk back to me like that.
あの子は本当に生意気だ。
That kid is really cheeky.
A slightly stronger or more colloquial version of 生意気, emphasizing petty impudence.
小生意気なことを言うね。
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.
厚かましいお願いですが、お金を貸していただけませんか。
This is a shameless request, but could you lend me some money?
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.
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.
無礼な態度は許されない。
Rude behavior will not be tolerated.
彼は目上の人に無礼な口をきいた。
He spoke rudely to his superior.
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.
A verb phrase meaning to talk back or answer impudently. Commonly used for children or subordinates.
親に口答えをするな。
Don't talk back to your parents.
A phrase meaning to utter abusive or outrageous language. Stronger than mere impudence, implying verbal abuse.
彼は上司に暴言を吐いてクビになった。
He was fired for hurling abuse at his boss.
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.
An i-adjective meaning shameless, impudent, or brazen. Often implies a persistent, pushy attitude.
図々しいにもほどがある。
There's a limit to how shameless you can be.
彼の鉄面皮な態度には呆れた。
I was appalled by his brazen attitude.
失礼なことを言ってしまった。
I said something rude.
His insolent attitude angered his boss.