自惚れ屋
unuboreya
The English word smartass can be translated into Japanese as 自惚れ屋 (unuboreya). Wiktionary also lists うぬぼれ屋 (unuboreya).
Meaning: one who is particularly insolent (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 自惚れ屋 | unuboreya |
| うぬぼれ屋 | unuboreya |
In Japanese, 自惚れ屋 refers to someone who is particularly insolent. While the English term 'smartass' often implies insolence or being a 'know-it-all' in a cheeky way, 自惚れ屋 focuses more heavily on the person's self-importance and delusion of grandeur. If you specifically want to describe someone who is acting as if they know it all, you might use the informal term 知ったかぶり (しったかぶり).
How do you pronounce it?
unuboreya
Did you know?
- While English uses 'ass' to add a vulgar edge to 'smartass', the Japanese 屋 suffix creates a sarcastic professional title, as if being conceited were their full-time job.
- In Japanese social hierarchies, being a 'smartass' is often viewed through the lens of 'meiwaku', or being a nuisance. While English speakers might see a 'smartass' as a cheeky individual, Japanese speakers often interpret such behavior as a failure to maintain 'wa', or social harmony.
- While 自惚れ屋 describes someone who is full of themselves, the term 知ったかぶり is often used to describe a person who pretends to know something they actually do not. It comes from the verb 知る meaning 'to know' and かぶる which can mean 'to wear' or 'to cover'.
Example sentences for Japanese are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are talking about a classmate.
- 蓮 Renあいつ、また自惚れ屋な態度を取ってるよ。Aitsu, mata unuboreya na taido o totteru yo.That guy is acting like a smartass again.
- 陽葵 Himari本当に。いつも自分が正しいと思ってるよね。Hontō ni. Itsumo jibun ga tadashii to omotte ru yo ne.Exactly. He always thinks he's right.
- 蓮 Ren話していると疲れるよ。Hanashite iru to tsukareru yo.It's exhausting talking to him.
- 陽葵 Himari無視するのが一番いいかもね。Mushi suru no ga ichiban ii kamo ne.Ignoring him might be the best way.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “smartass” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
