Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Impudent" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "impudent", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
厚かましい
あつかましい (atsukamashii)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
厚顔無恥
こうがんむち (kōganmuchi)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "impudent" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 厚かましい and 厚顔無恥.
In Japanese, 厚かましい (あつかましい (atsukamashii)) is typically associated with "impudent, brazen, shameless, bold" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents An adjective with a negative connotation. Describes someone who is rude, presumptuous, or lacks consideration for others, often making unreasonable requests..
On the other hand, 厚顔無恥 (こうがんむち (kōganmuchi)) maps to "impudent, brazen, shameless, audacious" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents A strong negative term. A literal translation of "impudent" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "厚かましい"
厚かましいお願いで申し訳ありませんが、もう一度手伝っていただけませんか。
I'm sorry for being so bold, but could you please help me one more time?
Bilingual Context for "厚顔無恥"
彼は厚顔無恥にも自分の失敗を他人のせいだと主張した。
Shamelessly, he claimed his own failures were someone else's fault.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ お願いで申し訳ありませんが、もう一度手伝っていただけませんか。" (Meaning: "I'm sorry for being so bold, but could you please help me one more time?")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "厚かましい" fits here because it means "impudent, brazen, shameless, bold" in the context of: "I'm sorry for being so bold, but could you please help me one more time?". "厚顔無恥" represents "impudent, brazen, shameless, audacious".