生意気な女の子
namaiki na onnanoko
The English phrase "sassy girl" is translated into Japanese as 生意気な女の子 (namaiki na onnanoko).
While "sassy" can sometimes be a compliment in English, this Japanese expression often carries a nuance of being disrespectful or "bratty," depending on the tone used by the speaker.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form this phrase, the particle な (na) is required to connect the na-adjective 生意気 (namaiki) to the noun 女の子 (onnanoko).
How do you pronounce it?
namaiki na onnanoko
Did you know?
- The word 生意気 (namaiki) literally translates to 'raw spirit' or 'fresh air' in its oldest usage, referring to someone who is too 'fresh' or presumptuous for their age.
- In Japanese pop culture, the 'sassy' archetype is often called ツンデレ (tsundere), describing a character who is initially cold or 'sassy' but eventually reveals a warm side.
- The noun 'onnanoko' (girl) can be replaced with 'onna' (woman) to make the phrase sound much more aggressive and derogatory.
Examples in context
- あの子はおてんば娘で、いつも生き生きとしているし、ちょっと生意気なところもあるんだよ。That girl is a lively tomboy, always full of life, and has a bit of a sassy side as well.
- 彼女は生意気な女の子だ。Kanojo wa namaiki na onnanoko da.She is a sassy girl.
- あの子は少し生意気な女の子ですね。Ano ko wa sukoshi namaiki na onnanoko desu ne.That girl is a bit of a sassy girl, isn't she?
- 生意気な女の子は苦手です。Namaiki na onnanoko wa nigate desu.I am not good with sassy girls.
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are talking about a younger sister.
- 健太 Kenta美咲の妹さんは、生意気な女の子だね。Misaki no imoutosan wa, namaiki na onnanoko da ne.Your sister is a sassy girl, isn't she, Misaki?
- 美咲 Misakiうん、最近とても生意気なの。Un, saikin totemo namaiki nano.Yeah, she's been very sassy lately.
- 健太 Kentaでも、そこが面白いと思うよ。Demo, soko ga omoshiroi to omou yo.But I think that's what makes her interesting.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとう、そう言ってくれて。Arigatou, sou itte kurete.Thanks for saying that.
