小賢しい

こざかしい
Alternative writings: 小ざかしい
Frequency:
1

Acting overly clever or crafty in a petty way; sly, pretentious or impertinent (usually negative).

I-Adjective

Examples

あの子は小賢しくて、先生の注意にもすぐ言い訳をする。

That child is cheeky/too clever in a petty way and immediately makes excuses when the teacher reprimands him.

小賢しい言い回しでごまかそうとしないでください。

Please don't try to cover it up with clever-sounding excuses.

彼の小賢しい態度に周りの人はうんざりしている。

People around him are fed up with his petty, smart-alecky attitude.

Word Relationships

Antonym
Derivations