Translation guide
Describes a person attracted to both men and women, or related concepts. Japanese uses loanwords or descriptive phrases; direct translation can be tricky due to cultural context.
To say someone is bisexual (attracted to both men and women).
The most common and neutral loanword for 'bisexual'. Used in both casual and formal contexts.
彼はバイセクシュアルです。
He is bisexual.
バイセクシュアルの友達がいます。
I have a bisexual friend.
Shortened, casual form of バイセクシュアル. Common in everyday speech.
あの人はバイだよ。
That person is bi.
A more formal, clinical term literally meaning 'both-sex love person'. Rarely used in everyday conversation.
彼は両性愛者であることを公表した。
He publicly announced that he is bisexual.
To talk about bisexuality as a concept or identity.
Loanword for 'bisexuality'. Used in discussions about sexual orientation.
バイセクシュアリティについて話し合う。
Discuss bisexuality.
Formal term for 'bisexuality', literally 'both-sex love'. Mainly in academic or medical contexts.
両性愛の研究
Research on bisexuality
To describe an organism that has both male and female reproductive organs.
Standard biological term for hermaphrodite or bisexual organism. Used for animals and plants.
ミミズは雌雄同体です。
Earthworms are bisexual (hermaphroditic).
Another term for hermaphroditism, often used in medical or biological contexts.
その植物は両性具有です。
That plant is bisexual (has both male and female parts).
To describe a flower that has both male (stamens) and female (pistils) reproductive parts.
Botanical term for a bisexual flower. Common in gardening and biology.
この花は両性花です。
This flower is bisexual.
While 両性愛者 exists, it sounds clinical and is rarely used. Stick to バイセクシュアル or バイ for natural conversation.
彼はバイです。
He is bi.
バイ is the casual abbreviation, similar to 'bi' in English. バイセクシュアル is the full form, suitable for any situation. Both are widely understood.