生意気

• 読み: なまいき
• ローマ字: namaiki
• 漢字の分解: 生 (nama) — raw, unripe; 意気 (iki) — spirit, attitude
• 発音: /na.ma.i.ki/

意味

Cheeky; impudent; cocky; presumptuous. Describes a person, especially a younger or lower-ranked one, who behaves arrogantly beyond their station.

A na-adjective (and noun) describing someone whose boldness or arrogance is inappropriate to their age, rank, or experience. 生意気な口をきく (to speak cheekily) is a common pattern. While usually critical, the word can carry affectionate exasperation about a precocious child or a bold underling whose confidence is secretly admired.

例文

1. 生意気なことを言うようだが、その計画には明らかな欠陥がある。
2. あの新入社員は生意気で、先輩への敬語も使えないらしい。
3. 幼いころから生意気だった彼女は、今では堂々たる経営者になった。

使い方ガイド

場面: everyday speech, school/workplace, interpersonal relations

トーン: critical

起源と歴史

Composed of 生 (nama, raw/unripe) and 意気 (iki, spirit/attitude). The image is of a 'raw, unripe spirit' — someone whose boldness outstrips their actual maturity or standing.

文化的背景

時代: Edo–Modern

世代: All ages

社会的背景: Universal