N3
なまいき (namaiki)
生意気
cheeky; saucy; impertinent; arrogant
💡 Nuance & Usage:
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！』
📝 Example Sentences
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.
Practice Quiz
Test your understanding of "生意気"!
新入社員のくせに先輩に意見するとは、実に_______な奴だ。
🎉 正解 / Correct!
日本語: 立場を弁えず不遜である様子「生意気」が正解です。ハルカ部長：『生意気な奴！でもね、あんたが時折見せるその生意気な態度、私に対する甘えだと思って許してあげてるんだからね！』
English: Since it describes being insolent regardless of one's standing, 'cheeky/impertinent' (namaiki) is correct. Haruka: 'A cheeky guy! But you know, I forgive that cheeky attitude you show from time to time, thinking it's just you acting spoiled in front of me!'
English: Since it describes being insolent regardless of one's standing, 'cheeky/impertinent' (namaiki) is correct. Haruka: 'A cheeky guy! But you know, I forgive that cheeky attitude you show from time to time, thinking it's just you acting spoiled in front of me!'
🦅
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