1.
impudent; cheeky; cocky; saucy
describes behavior or attitude that is presumptuous or disrespectful, especially from someone young or inexperienced toward their elders or superiors
生意気な口をきくな。
Don't talk back to me.
あの子は生意気だけど憎めない。
That kid is cheeky, but you can't help liking them.
新人のくせに生意気なことを言うな。
Don't be so cocky for a newcomer.
USAGE:
- 生意気な口をきく (to talk back, be saucy)
- 生意気を言う (to say impudent things)
- 生意気なことを言う (to say cheeky things)
CONTEXT:
Often used by adults about children or by seniors about juniors. The implication is that the person is behaving above their station or age.
NUANCE:
Can be used both critically and somewhat affectionately, depending on context. Sometimes used to describe a charming kind of precociousness.
RELATED:
- 図々しい (shameless, brazen)
- 厚かましい (impudent, shameless)
- 口ごたえ (talking back)