生意気
なまいき
cheeky, impertinent
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Examples
生意気なことを言うな。
なまいきなことをいうな。
Don't be cheeky.
弟のくせに生意気だ。
おとうとのくせになまいきだ。
He's got a nerve for a little brother.
新人が生意気な口をきいて、先輩を怒らせてしまった。
しんじんがなまいきなくちをきいて、せんぱいをおこらせてしまった。
The newcomer talked back impertinently and angered his senior.
Common patterns
- 生意気な口をきく
- to talk back cheekily
- 生意気を言う
- to say impertinent things
- 生意気な態度
- a cheeky attitude
Memory tip
生 (raw, half-baked) plus 意気 (spirit): acting above your station. Because of that it points downward — at children, juniors and newcomers. Said of someone senior you would use 傲慢 instead.
Kanji in this word
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What does 生意気 mean?