How to say "shameless" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 無恥むちna-adjective, nounA noun for shamelessness as an abstract quality rather than for the person who has it. To call someone shameless directly, 恥知らず is the word you want.
- 恥知らずはじしらずna-adjective, nounThe natural word for calling a person shameless; it works as a noun meaning 'a shameless person' and can be hurled as an accusation, stressing that the person feels no shame at all.
- 図々しいずうずうしいi-adjectiveAn adjective for brazen, forward behavior: doing or asking things without a trace of embarrassment, as if nothing were out of the ordinary. Typical of someone who imposes on others yet acts at ease.
- 厚かましいあつかましいi-adjectiveAn adjective close to 図々しい, with a nuance of cheek: it fits shameless behavior that oversteps the mark, such as asking favors or making demands without the slightest embarrassment.
To call a person shameless, 「恥知らず」 is the natural choice; 「図々しい」 and 「厚かましい」 are adjectives for brazen, forward behavior; 無恥 names the lack of shame itself rather than the person.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
- 無恥むちshameless
- 恥知らずはじしらずshameless
- 図々しいずうずうしいimpudent
- 厚かましいあつかましいimpudent
- 破廉恥はれんちshameless
- 厚顔無恥こうがんむちshameless
- 面の皮が厚いつらのかわがあついshameless
- 無愧むぎshameless
- 図太いずぶといbold
- ふてぶてしいimpudent
- 盗人猛々しいぬすっとたけだけしいbrazen-faced (about one's misdeed)
- いけずうずうしいimpudent
- 白々しいしらじらしいbarefaced (e.g. lie)
- しらこいbarefaced (e.g. lie)
- 太いふといdaring
- 猛々しいたけだけしいaudacious
See also
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