Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| де́рзкий | dérzkij |
| на́глый | náglyj |
| наха́льный | naxálʹnyj |
In an informal context, де́рзкий can be used to convey a sassy nature, implying a bold and audacious attitude, often combined with a mix of wit and charm.
Which one should you use?
The word де́рзкий implies a certain level of boldness or audacity that can be seen as impressive or attractive, rather than purely rude, often with a hint of admiration or romantic tension. The word на́глый is more strictly negative and describes someone who is being rude or overstepping boundaries without shame, meaning insolent, impudent or brazen.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Moscow, people use the word задорный to describe someone as sassy, reflecting a lively and energetic demeanor with a touch of impudence.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the subject. Use the feminine form де́рзкая when describing a woman or girl. The adjective takes the neuter form де́рзкое when describing a neuter noun, such as a behavior (поведение). The adjective takes the plural form де́рзкие when describing multiple people or objects.
How do you pronounce it?
dérzkij
Did you know?
- The word на́глый shares a linguistic root with the word for 'bare' or 'naked' (на́гой), suggesting that an impudent person is 'stripped' of shame.
- In Russian literature, де́рзкий is frequently used to describe a 'defiant' soul or a rebellious spirit challenging fate, giving it a poetic weight far beyond 'sassy'.
- While де́рзкий is often used for a 'sassy' person, it is also the standard term for a 'bold' or 'daring' move in sports or military strategy.
Examples in context
- Он такой дерзкий! Всегда говорит на равных с любым собеседником и никогда не стесняется высказать свое мнение.He's so sassy! Always speaks on equal terms with anyone and never hesitates to express his opinion.
Example conversation
Andrey and Ekaterina are discussing a mutual acquaintance.
- Андрей AndreyТы видела, как она ответила боссу?Ty videla, kak ona otvetila bossu?Did you see how she answered the boss?
- Екатерина EkaterinaДа, этот ответ был очень де́рзкий.Da, etot otvet byl ochen derzkiy.Yes, that answer was very sassy.
- Андрей AndreyОна совсем не боится его.Ona sovsem ne boitsya yego.She isn't afraid of him at all.
- Екатерина EkaterinaОна просто очень уверенная в себе.Ona prosto ochen uverennyya v sebe.She is just very confident in herself.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sassy” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
