Entry
のこのこ
nokonoko
Nokonoko describes someone showing up or acting in a shameless, unconcerned manner when they should feel embarrassed or hesitant.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is typically used to express disapproval or surprise when someone appears casually in a situation where they are unwanted, at fault, or in danger. It highlights a lack of self-awareness or a brazenly relaxed attitude.
- showing up shamelessly
- walking into danger unconcernedly
Sense Map
Shameless Appearance
Showing up casually or brazenly in a situation where one should feel apologetic, awkward, or unwelcome.
会議にのこのこ現れる。
Unconcerned Action
Acting or walking into a situation without realizing the danger or inappropriateness.
敵の陣地にのこのこ入っていく。
Usage Note
How to Use
のこのこ + verb of motion
Directly modifies a verb, typically one related to movement or appearing, to describe the shameless manner of the action.
のこのこと + verb of motion
Adding the particle to makes it an adverbial phrase, slightly emphasizing the brazen state just before the action occurs.
How to Use
Common Phrases
のこのこ現れる
to show up shamelessly
のこのこやって来る
to come along nonchalantly
のこのこ出て行く
to go out unconcernedly
のこのこと出かける
to head out without a care
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| When the person is at fault but shows no remorse. | Negative/Critical | Expresses annoyance that the person isn't acting apologetic. |
| When someone naively walks into a trap or danger. | Negative/Pitying | Highlights the person's foolish lack of concern for their own safety. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
しれっと しれっと / similar | When someone is hiding their guilt or acting as if nothing happened, often focusing on their facial expression or attitude. | While nokonoko is mostly about physically showing up or moving somewhere shamelessly, shiretto focuses on a feigned innocent attitude or expression. | しれっと嘘をつく。 |
いけしゃあしゃあ いけしゃあしゃあ / similar | When someone acts or speaks extremely brazenly without any sign of shame. | Ikeshaashaa is a stronger expression of disgust at someone's shameless words or deeds, whereas nokonoko implies foolishly or casually showing up. | いけしゃあしゃあと言い訳をする。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe someone who is simply relaxed or confident.
It has a negative connotation of lacking appropriate shame or awareness. Use doudou to for positive confidence.
Using it for stationary actions like sitting or sleeping.
It must be paired with verbs of movement or appearance, such as coming, going, or showing up.
Examples
Examples
自分が悪いのに、彼はのこのこ会議に現れた。
じぶんがわるいのに、かれはのこのこかいぎにあらわれた。
Even though he was at fault, he showed up to the meeting shamelessly.
VisualHighlights the physical appearance that ignores social awkwardness.
罠だとも知らずに、敵はのこのこやって来た。
わなだともしらずに、てきはのこのこやってきた。
Not knowing it was a trap, the enemy came along nonchalantly.
VisualShows someone physically walking into danger unaware.
彼女は何もなかったかのように、のこのこ顔を出した。
かのじょはなにもなかったかのように、のこのこかおをだした。
She shamelessly showed her face as if nothing had happened.
VisualKao wo dasu (to show one's face/appear) is often paired with nokonoko.
そんな危険な場所に、のこのこ行くべきではない。
そんなきけんなばしょに、のこのこいくべきではない。
You shouldn't go to such a dangerous place unconcernedly.
VisualUsed as a warning not to act carelessly.
遅刻したくせに、のこのこと教室に入ってきた。
ちこくしたくせに、のこのこときょうしつにはいってきた。
Even though he was late, he casually walked into the classroom.
VisualAdding the particle to puts slightly more emphasis on the shameless attitude.
Similar Words
しれっと
shiretto
Acting completely calm or as if nothing happened, usually after making a mistake or doing something cheeky. Hiding guilt or acting as if nothing happened.
いけしゃあしゃあ
ikeshaashaa
Acting shamelessly or brazenly without any sense of guilt. Acting or speaking extremely brazenly.
Questions
Can I use nokonoko for my own actions?
Rarely, unless you are being self-deprecating about walking into a situation naively.
Is nokonoko related to the Mario enemy Koopa Troopa?
Yes, the Japanese name for the Koopa Troopa is Nokonoko, named after the way they nonchalantly wander back and forth.
Can I use it without a verb?
No, it functions as an adverb and must be paired with an action, usually a movement verb.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1009920
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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