Japanese Conversation · Level 107
60 words
Japanese word
生意気
Pronunciation
Romajinamaiki
Meaning
- na-adjectivecheeky
Example
あの子は生意気です。a no ko wa nama i ki de su
That child is cheeky.
More examples
そんな生意気な言い方はやめてください。so n na nama i ki na i i kata wa ya me te ku da sa i
Please stop using such a cheeky tone.
Core concept
Describes a person who shows bold self-assurance in a way that seems disrespectful or beyond what their age or position warrants.
Common phrases
生意気な態度nama i ki na tai do
cheeky attitude
生意気な口を利くnama i ki na kuchi o ki ku
talk back
Similar words
小生意気shōseiiki: Describes a mildly cheeky manner that can seem irritating, especially in a younger person.
不遜fuson: Shows disrespectful self-importance toward someone who deserves respect.
横柄ōhei: Treats other people as if they are lower in status or importance.
高飛車kōhisha: Acts in a forceful, superior manner when dealing with other people.
Definition in Japanese
年齢や立場にふさわしい慎みを欠き、偉そうに振る舞うさま。nen rei ya tachi ba ni fu sa wa shi i tsutsushi mi o ka ki era sō ni fu ru ma u sa ma
Word origin
生意気 (namaiki) is a native Japanese compound of 生 (nama, "immature") and 意気 (iki, "spirit or self-assertion"), expressing confidence that exceeds one's standing.
Usage tips
- In conversation, 生意気 (namaiki) often describes a younger person who speaks too boldly to an older person, and it can sound teasing or sharply critical depending on the tone.
Other meanings
- cockyna-adjective
- impudentna-adjective
- presumptuousna-adjective
Opposites
- 謙虚kenkyohumblena-adjective
Related words
- 生意気さnamaikisacheekinessnoun