生意気(なまいき)

なまいき
na-adjective
impudent; cheeky; cocky; saucy
personalitybehavior
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.

Usage

Often used by adults about children or by seniors about juniors. The implication is that the person is behaving above their station or age.
Can be used both critically and somewhat affectionately, depending on context. Sometimes used to describe a charming kind of precociousness.

Related words

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 2026.9.2 13:01
08000/08271_namaiki