synonym Comparative
生意気
VS
不遜
Differences Between "生意気" and "不遜"
Option A
生意気
Meaning
cheeky; saucy; impertinent; arrogant
Reading
なまいき (namaiki)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
先輩に対してそんな生意気な口の利き方をするものではありません。
You should not speak in such a cheeky way to your seniors.
Option B
不遜
Meaning
arrogant, insolent, disrespectful, haughty
Reading
ふそん (fusun)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
彼の態度は不遜で、皆を不快にさせた。
His attitude was arrogant and made everyone uncomfortable.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(cheeky; saucy; impertinent; arrogant)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 生意気: Refers to a junior or subordinate being cheeky, impudent, sassy, or talking back to superiors in an arrogant way. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'How dare a cheeky junior like you look directly into my eyes and say I'm cute?! Are you looking to get punished?! ...っ, M-My face is red only because the office heater is too hot!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『生意気な後輩（部下）なんだから！生意気なあんたが私の目を真っ直ぐ見つめて「先輩、可愛いですね」だなんて、処罰対象なんだからね！...っ、顔が赤いのは暖房のせいよ！』
- 不遜: Describes an attitude or behavior that shows excessive pride and a lack of respect for others, especially superiors. (傲慢で人を見下すような態度や言動)
- 生意気: Refers to a junior or subordinate being cheeky, impudent, sassy, or talking back to superiors in an arrogant way. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'How dare a cheeky junior like you look directly into my eyes and say I'm cute?! Are you looking to get punished?! ...っ, M-My face is red only because the office heater is too hot!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『生意気な後輩（部下）なんだから！生意気なあんたが私の目を真っ直ぐ見つめて「先輩、可愛いですね」だなんて、処罰対象なんだからね！...っ、顔が赤いのは暖房のせいよ！』
- 不遜: Describes an attitude or behavior that shows excessive pride and a lack of respect for others, especially superiors. (傲慢で人を見下すような態度や言動)
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