Translation guide
A type of Japanese drinking establishment where female staff serve drinks, engage in conversation, and provide companionship to customers, typically male. These are not brothels; sexual services are not officially provided.
The most common and neutral way to refer to a hostess bar in Japanese.
A portmanteau of 'cabaret' and 'club'. This is the most common modern term for a hostess bar, where women serve drinks and chat with customers. It implies a relatively casual, less expensive establishment compared to a high-end club.
More specific or niche terms that may be encountered.
Hostess bars in Japan are not places for sexual services. Prostitution is illegal, and while some establishments may skirt the law, the primary service is companionship and conversation. Using terms like 'brothel' or 'whorehouse' to translate 'hostess bar' would be inaccurate and offensive.
キャバクラは売春宿ではありません。
A hostess bar is not a brothel.
Kyabakura are the most common modern hostess bars, with a lively atmosphere and relatively affordable prices. Clubs are high-end, with hostesses in evening dresses and expensive drinks. Snacks are small, casual bars often run by a 'mama' (female owner), where customers chat with the mama or a few hostesses in a cozy setting.
I often go to hostess bars on weekends.
Refers to a higher-end hostess bar, often with a more sophisticated atmosphere, hostesses in evening dresses, and higher prices. Not to be confused with a dance club.
彼は銀座の高級クラブの常連だ。
He is a regular at a high-end hostess bar in Ginza.
A small, often mom-and-pop style bar where the female owner or a few hostesses serve drinks and chat with customers. Usually more casual and cheaper than a kyabakura.
駅前のスナックで一杯飲もう。
Let's have a drink at the snack bar in front of the station.
A type of hostess bar that is often slightly more upscale than a kyabakura but less formal than a club. May have a relaxed lounge atmosphere.
あのラウンジは雰囲気がいい。
That lounge has a nice atmosphere.
A bar where female bartenders serve drinks and chat with customers across the counter. Often less expensive and more casual than a kyabakura, and the staff typically wear casual clothes.
ガールズバーで楽しく飲んだ。
I had fun drinking at a girls' bar.
Short for 'sexy kyabakura'. A hostess bar where more physical contact or sexualized service is allowed, though still not full intercourse. Use with caution as it implies a seedier establishment.
This term implies a sexually charged environment and may be offensive or inappropriate in polite conversation.
セクキャバは普通のキャバクラより過激だ。
Sexy kyabakura are more extreme than regular hostess bars.
An older term for a cabaret, often a large hall with hostesses, dancing, and stage shows. Now somewhat dated and less common than kyabakura.
昭和時代にはキャバレーが流行った。
Cabarets were popular in the Showa era.
Kyabakura are lively, clubs are sophisticated, and snacks are homey.
Kyabakura are lively, clubs are sophisticated, and snacks are homey.