生意気
なまいき · namaiki · JLPT N2 · na-adj
impertinent
生 (life/raw) + 意気 (spirit/energy): raw spirit that talks back, so impertinent
生意気 combines 生 (raw, unrefined) and 意気 (spirit, pride). Someone with too much raw self-assertion, especially a young person speaking above their station, is impudent.
生 — sprout 屮 above earth 土
Originally a pictograph showing a young plant sprouting from the ground, with 屮 (a sprout) above 土 (earth). The core meaning is 'to be born, to grow, to live,' which extends to 'raw, unripe, unfamiliar.' The modern form has simplified the sprout shape but preserves the image of new growth emerging from soil.