To say cheeky, brazen, or a bit stronger, shameless, certainly Japanese language offers a rich variety of refined vocabularies.
After all, Japanese culture values modesty and inhibitions so naturally there are some harsh words to describe an unashamed person.
直訳とその他の類語
恥知らず、厚かましいといった言葉が一番ダイレクトですが、いろいろと違うシチュエーションに使う際に日本語に豊富な類語があるため、いくつか覚えたいですね！
This word describes someone (sometimes in a positive way) that they are not easily affected by unpleasant situations. But if it is a bit overly abnormal, then this person could be seen as being unabashed and shameless.
例：神経が図太い。
Mostly this word could be used in a positive way when speaking highly of someone who is strong-minded and brave to face his mistakes or critiques of his work.
もともと、物おじは「怖がる」という意味なので、失敗を恐れない、勇敢な姿を表すには「物おじしない」と言いますよ！
This word describes some behaviors that are embarrassing, impolite, lacking common sense or etiquette. But in Japanese the speaker could use this word on him/herself when trying to ask some sensitive questions.
例：大変不躾ですが、ご希望のお給料をお伺いできますか。
Any information related to money is considered extremely sensitive and private in Japan! So if you must ask, please use some refined expressions to cushion your questions. Or you may be considered vulgar and will never be taken seriously!
These expressions means “shameless” when pretending to not knowing something, and handling things to the speaker’s best benefit.
For example, a kid broke a window but played innocent. 「窓を割った彼がしらばくれていた。」
What is 抜け抜け?
This word could describe some behaviors or persons that are just stupid and ignorant, but it also means someone pretends to be ignorantly or shamelessly innocent while lying through their teeth.
抜け抜けと嘘をつく
抜け抜けとしらを切る
This word is usually connected to 「白を切る」that I introduced above. Very common phrase you definitely want to take away from today’s post!
おわりに
There are simply too many expressions in Japanese to describe a person’s shameless behaviors! I will definitely write another post in the near future with more variations.
日本の皆様も、今日はすこし難易度の高い英単語に触れられたら、いいですね。
