Japanese Conversation · Level 70
75 words
Japanese word
言い返す
Pronunciation
Romajiiikaesu
Meaning
- verbtalk back
Example
先生に注意されても、言い返します。sen sei ni chū i sa re te mo i i kae shi ma su
I talk back even when my teacher scolds me.
More examples
家では、親に言い返さないようにしています。ie de wa oya ni i i kae sa na i yō ni shi te i ma su
At home, I try not to talk back to my parents.
Core concept
Describes speaking back when a person challenges, criticizes, or scolds someone.
Common phrases
負けずに言い返すma ke zu ni i i kae su
talk back without backing down
Similar words
口答えするkuchigotaesuru: To answer a parent, teacher, or other authority in a rude or disrespectful way.
反論するhanronsuru: To state reasons or opinions against another person's words or position.
言い争うiiarasou: To argue with someone in a back-and-forth exchange.
言い張るiiharu: To insist that one's own claim is right despite disagreement.
Definition in Japanese
注意や批判を受けた際、黙らずに反対の意見を述べる。chū i ya hi han o u ke ta sai dama ra zu ni han tai no i ken o no be ru
Word origin
言い返す (iikaesu) is formed from 言う (iu, "say") and 返す (kaesu, "return"), with the combined sense of returning an opposing statement.
Usage tips
- English talk back commonly appears with parents or teachers, so it often carries a stronger sense of disrespect than 言い返す (iikaesu) in Japanese.