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
図々しい
ずうずうしい (zūzūshii)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "impudent" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 厚かましい and 図々しい.
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, 図々しい (ずうずうしい (zūzūshii)) maps to "impudent; brazen; audacious; cheeky" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes someone who is shameless, inconsiderate, and bold in a negative way, often intruding on others' space or asking for favors without hesitation.. 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 "図々しい"
彼はいつも人の物を借りてばかりで、本当に図々しい。
He's always borrowing other people's things; he's really impudent.
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?". "図々しい" represents "impudent; brazen; audacious; cheeky".