Translation guide
The English word "indecent" covers a range of meanings from sexually inappropriate to morally offensive or improper. This guide breaks down the main uses and provides natural Japanese equivalents for each.
Describing something sexually inappropriate, lewd, or obscene, such as behavior, clothing, or media.
The most common and direct equivalent for 'indecent' in a sexual sense. Used for obscene acts, materials, or exposure. Often appears in legal contexts.
Similar to わいせつ but slightly more literary or formal. Often used for lewd language or descriptions.
卑猥な言葉
indecent language
Casual, colloquial term for 'indecent' or 'perverted' in a sexual sense. Often used in everyday conversation.
エッチな本
indecent book (pornographic)
Literary or old-fashioned term for lewd or indecent, often implying moral looseness.
淫らな関係
indecent relationship
Specifically referring to exposing one's body in public, a legal offense.
The standard legal term for 'public indecency' or 'indecent exposure'.
公然わいせつ罪で逮捕された。
He was arrested for indecent exposure.
Refers to a person who exposes themselves indecently (exhibitionist). Not a direct translation of 'indecent exposure' but related.
あの男は露出狂だ。
That man is an exhibitionist (indecent exposer).
Describing behavior that is offensive to moral standards, not necessarily sexual.
Means 'indiscreet' or 'improper', often used when someone acts inappropriately given the circumstances (e.g., joking at a funeral).
不謹慎な発言
indecent remark (inappropriate for the situation)
Means 'rude' or 'ill-mannered', often used for indecent behavior that violates social etiquette.
Means 'vulgar' or 'crude', often used for indecent jokes or language.
Referring to unwanted sexual touching or advances.
Specifically refers to groping or molestation, especially on public transportation. The act itself is 'indecent assault'.
痴漢行為
indecent assault (groping)
Short for 'sexual harassment', covers a broader range of indecent behavior including verbal harassment.
The English word 'indecent' is broad. Using a single Japanese word for all contexts can sound unnatural. Choose the term that matches the specific type of indecency (sexual, moral, legal).
Both mean 'obscene' or 'indecent' in a sexual sense. わいせつ is more common and used in legal contexts. 卑猥 is slightly more literary and often describes language or expressions.
彼はわいせつな行為で逮捕された。
He was arrested for indecent behavior.
その冗談は下品だった。
That joke was indecent.
無作法な振る舞い
indecent behavior (rude)
indecent joke
セクハラ発言
indecent remarks (sexual harassment)