Translation guide
The state of abstaining from marriage and sexual relations, often for religious, personal, or philosophical reasons.
Express the concept of voluntarily refraining from sexual activity, without necessarily implying a religious vow.
General term for abstinence or self-denial, often used for celibacy in a broad sense. Can refer to abstaining from various desires, but commonly understood as sexual abstinence.
彼は禁欲生活を送っている。
He lives a life of celibacy.
Explicitly 'sexual abstinence'. Used when you need to be clear that it's about sex, not other desires.
性的禁欲は健康に影響するのだろうか。
Does sexual abstinence affect health?
Literally 'single' or 'unmarried'. Often implies celibacy by context, but not always. Use with caution; it primarily means unmarried status.
This word focuses on marital status, not necessarily sexual activity. A married person practicing celibacy would not be 独身.
彼は独身を貫いた。
He remained single (and celibate).
Refer to celibacy as a religious practice, especially in monastic or priestly contexts.
The system or rule of celibacy, especially in the Catholic Church. Refers to the institutional requirement for clergy to remain unmarried and chaste.
カトリック教会では司祭の独身制が維持されている。
The Catholic Church maintains the celibacy of priests.
Chastity or purity, often in a religious or moral sense. Can be used for the virtue of celibacy.
修道女は貞潔の誓いを立てる。
Nuns take a vow of chastity.
Describe voluntarily choosing not to have sex, often as part of a modern lifestyle or philosophy.
A straightforward, modern way to say 'a lifestyle without sex'. Natural in casual conversation.
最近、セックスをしない生き方を選ぶ人が増えている。
Recently, more people are choosing a celibate lifestyle.
Loanword from English 'non-sexual'. Used in contexts like asexuality or choosing not to engage in sex.
彼女はノンセクシュアルな関係を望んでいる。
She wants a non-sexual relationship.
独身 (どくしん) means 'unmarried' or 'single'. While it can imply celibacy in some contexts, it does not inherently mean abstaining from sex. A single person who is sexually active is still 独身. Use 禁欲 or 性的禁欲 to be clear about sexual abstinence.
禁欲 (きんよく) is a broad term for self-denial or abstinence, often used for celibacy in everyday language. 貞潔 (ていけつ) is more formal and carries a strong moral or religious connotation of chastity and purity. Use 貞潔 when discussing religious vows or traditional virtues.
A life of abstinence; can be used for religious celibacy when context makes it clear.
彼は僧侶として禁欲生活を選んだ。
He chose a life of celibacy as a monk.