Translation guide
The clitoris is a female sexual organ. In Japanese, the most common and neutral term is クリトリス, a loanword from English. There are also native Japanese terms, but they are often considered vulgar or clinical. This guide covers the main ways to refer to the clitoris in Japanese, from medical to slang.
Referring to the clitoris in everyday conversation, educational contexts, or when a neutral term is needed.
The most common and neutral term. A loanword from English, widely understood and used in both medical and casual contexts.
クリトリスは女性の性感帯の一つです。
The clitoris is one of the female erogenous zones.
The formal medical term. Used in anatomy textbooks or clinical settings. Not common in everyday speech.
陰核の構造について説明します。
I will explain the structure of the clitoris.
Using slang or vulgar terms for the clitoris, often in intimate or crude contexts.
Shortened form of クリトリス. Very common in casual, intimate, or slang contexts. Can be considered slightly vulgar depending on the situation.
クリを刺激すると気持ちいい。
It feels good when you stimulate the clit.
Literally 'bean'. A slang term for the clitoris, often used in erotic contexts. Can be considered vulgar.
An archaic or dialectal term for the clitoris. Rarely used in modern standard Japanese, but may appear in older literature or specific regional dialects.
古い文献に「さね」という言葉が出てくる。
The word 'sane' appears in old documents.
English slang terms like 'clit' do not always have direct, natural equivalents in Japanese. Using クリ is the safest casual option. Other slang terms like 豆 (まめ) can sound crude or overly explicit. When in doubt, stick with クリトリス or クリ.
クリトリス is the everyday word, while 陰核 is the formal medical term. Use クリトリス in most situations, including sex education and casual conversation. 陰核 is appropriate for academic papers or doctor's offices.
I licked her clit.