生 意 気(なまいき)

なまいき

na-adjective

impudent; cheeky; cocky; saucy

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(なまいき)な口(くち)をきくな。

Don't talk back to me.

あの子(こ)は生意気(なまいき)だけど憎(にく)めない。

That kid is cheeky, but you can't help liking them.

新人(しんじん)のくせに生意気(なまいき)なことを言(い)うな。

Don't be so cocky for a newcomer.

Common collocations

生意気(なまいき)な口(くち)をきく (to talk back, be saucy)
生意気(なまいき)を言(い)う (to say impudent things)
生意気(なまいき)な態度(たいど) (a cocky attitude)

Usage

Said by adults about children or by seniors about juniors: the person is acting above their age or station. It can be critical or half-affectionate, even for a charming precocity (生意気(なまいき)だけど可愛(かわい)い).

Similar words

図々(ずうずう)しい / 厚(あつ)かましい: shamelessly imposing on others (taking too much, asking too much), with no sense of age or rank
偉(えら)そう: acting important or superior, toward anyone

Related words

口(くち)ごたえ (talking back)

Related Words

Related: 図々(ずうずう)しい (shameless, brazen)

Related: 厚(あつ)かましい (impudent, shameless)

Related: 口(くち)ごたえ (talking back)

Compare: 反抗的(はんこうてき) (rebellious)

Compare: わんぱくな (naughty)

Compare: 小賢(こざか)しい (impudently clever)

Compare: 偉そう (self-important)

general

Added 2026.1.25 20:37 · Revised 2026.9.24 12:23

08000/08271_namaiki