Translation guide
A person who secretly watches others, especially for sexual gratification. In Japanese, this is expressed with specific nouns and verbs, and the concept is culturally associated with voyeurism and privacy violations.
Referring to someone who secretly watches others, typically in a sexual context.
Common term for a peeping tom, literally 'peeping devil/ogre'. Used in everyday language and news.
隣の家にのぞき魔が出たらしい。
Apparently there's a peeping tom in the neighborhood.
Describing the action of secretly watching someone, often with sexual intent.
Noun meaning 'peeping' or 'voyeurism'. Can be used alone or in compounds.
Do not translate 'Peeping Tom' literally as ピーピング・トム. It is not a recognized term in Japanese. Use the native expressions above.
Archaic but still recognized term, originating from a notorious 1908 voyeurism case. Often used in set phrases or historical contexts.
出歯亀事件は明治時代の有名な事件だ。
The Debakame incident is a famous case from the Meiji era.
Clinical/psychological term for a voyeur. Used in medical or legal contexts.
窃視症者は治療が必要な場合がある。
Voyeurs may require treatment in some cases.
のぞきは犯罪です。
Peeping is a crime.
Verb phrase meaning 'to peep' or 'to take a furtive look'. Not always sexual, but often implies secrecy.
彼は窓からのぞき見しているところを見つかった。
He was caught peeping through the window.
Noun meaning 'sneaking a look' or 'stealing a glance'. Can be used for non-sexual peeping as well.
試験中に隣の人の答案を盗み見した。
I sneaked a look at my neighbor's answer sheet during the exam.