1.
talking back, backtalk, retort
Responding argumentatively or defiantly to someone of higher status such as a parent, teacher, or boss. Viewed negatively in Japanese culture as disrespectful behavior.
口ごたえするな。
Don't talk back.
子供が親に口ごたえをした。
The child talked back to his parents.
先生に口ごたえばかりしていたら、怒られるのは当然だ。
If you keep talking back to the teacher, of course you'll get scolded.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 口ごたえをする (talk back)
- 口ごたえするな (don't talk back)
- 親に口ごたえする (talk back to one's parents)
USAGE NOTES:
Always carries a negative connotation — it implies insubordination or rudeness from someone who should show deference. The command 口ごたえするな is a classic phrase heard from parents and authority figures. Can be written as 口答え with kanji, though the hiragana form ごたえ is more common. Not to be confused with 歯ごたえ (bite, texture of food) or 手ごたえ (response, feedback).