(ずうずう)しい

ずうずうしい
i-adjective
shameless, impudent, brazen
1. shameless, impudent, brazen
Describes someone who behaves in an overly bold or presumptuous manner without feeling embarrassed, often imposing on others or acting without regard for social conventions. Generally carries a negative connotation.
図々(ずうずう)しいお(ねが)いで(もう)(わけ)ありませんが...
I'm sorry for the shameless request, but...
Humble phrasing when making a request
あの(ひと)図々(ずうずう)しくも()()んできた。
That person brazenly cut in line.
図々(ずうずう)しい態度(たいど)にあきれた。
I was appalled by their shameless attitude.

FORMS:

  • 図々(ずうずう)しい (plain form)
  • 図々(ずうずう)しく (adverbial form)
  • 図々(ずうずう)しさ (noun form - shamelessness)

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • (あつ)かましい (presumptuous, pushy)
  • ふてぶてしい (brazen, shameless)
  • 恥知(はじし)らず (shameless person)
  • (つら)(かわ)(あつ)い (thick-skinned)

NUANCE:

  • Strongly negative when describing others
  • Can be used self-deprecatingly to acknowledge one's own bold request
  • Different from confidence - implies disregard for others

SOCIAL CONTEXT:

  • Japanese culture values 遠慮(えんりょ) (reserve/restraint)
  • Being 図々(ずうずう)しい violates expectations of modesty
  • Used to criticize people who don't follow social norms

EXPRESSIONS:

  • 図々(ずうずう)しくも (impudently, brazenly)
  • 図々(ずうずう)しいにも(ほど)がある (There's a limit to shamelessness)

COLLOCATIONS:

  • 図々(ずうずう)しいお(ねが)い (shameless request)
  • 図々(ずうずう)しい態度(たいど) (impudent attitude)
  • 図々(ずうずう)しい(ひと) (shameless person)