Meaning and Usage
"厚かましい" (あつかましい) describes someone who is impudent, shameless, or brazen. It often implies a negative judgment about a person's behavior when they act without regard for others' feelings or social norms.
Common Contexts
This adjective is frequently used to criticize someone who makes unreasonable demands, behaves selfishly, or invades others' privacy without hesitation. It is often heard in everyday conversations when expressing frustration or disapproval.
Collocations and Patterns
- 厚かましいお願い (あつかましいおねがい): a shameless request, used when asking for something bold or unreasonable.
- 厚かましい態度 (あつかましいたいど): a shameless attitude, describing someone's behavior.
- 厚かましくも〜する: a set phrase meaning "shamelessly do something," often used to admit a bold action.
Register and Nuance
This word is informal and somewhat strong in tone. It is typically used in casual or semi-formal speech to express criticism. Avoid using it in very polite or formal contexts.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "厚かましい" with words meaning "thick" or "heavy" because of the kanji 厚. Remember that here it refers to "thick-skinned" in a figurative sense, meaning shameless or impudent.