Translation guide
Describes a person, appearance, or style that blends masculine and feminine traits. Japanese has several terms, but the most common is 中性的 (ちゅうせいてき). Direct translations like 両性具有 (りょうせいぐゆう) are rare and clinical.
Describing a person, fashion, or look that is neither clearly male nor female.
The most common and natural way to say 'androgynous' in everyday Japanese. It literally means 'neutral-gendered' and is used for appearance, fashion, and vibe.
彼は中性的な顔立ちをしている。
He has androgynous features.
あのモデルは中性的な魅力がある。
That model has an androgynous charm.
Referring to a person or organism with both male and female biological characteristics. This is a clinical/biological context, not for describing fashion or appearance.
The technical term for hermaphroditism or having both male and female reproductive organs. Used in biology and medicine. Not used for fashion or social gender expression.
その生物は両性具有である。
That organism is hermaphroditic.
When talking about a person's style or look, use 中性的 or ジェンダーレス. Using 両性具有 would imply a biological condition and is inappropriate for describing fashion.
A loanword from English 'genderless', often used in fashion and youth culture to describe a style that transcends gender norms. Slightly trendier than 中性的.
最近はジェンダーレスなファッションが流行っている。
Genderless fashion is popular these days.
Literally 'a beauty in male attire', this refers specifically to a woman who looks strikingly beautiful while dressed in men's clothing. It carries a dramatic, classic nuance and is not a direct translation of 'androgynous'.
宝塚のスターは男装の麗人として知られている。
Takarazuka stars are known as beauties in male attire.
An older medical term for intersex conditions. It can be considered outdated or insensitive in some contexts, so 性分化疾患 (せいぶんかしっかん) is preferred in modern medical settings.
May be perceived as outdated or clinical; use with care.
半陰陽という言葉は現在あまり使われない。
The term 'han-in'yō' is not used much nowadays.