Translation guide
Describes a strong, often overt, sexual desire or behavior. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adjectives and verbs that convey lewdness, lust, or indecency, with nuances ranging from formal to slang.
To describe someone or something as sexually suggestive, lecherous, or driven by lust.
A standard, somewhat formal adjective meaning 'lecherous' or 'lustful'. Often used to describe a person's character or behavior.
彼は好色な目つきで彼女を見た。
He looked at her with lascivious eyes.
A very common, casual term for 'lewd' or 'perverted'. Can be used playfully or critically. Often used as a noun (スケベ) to mean a lecher.
あのオヤジ、すごくスケベなんだよ。
That old guy is really lascivious.
Means 'indecent', 'lewd', or 'licentious'. Often used for sexual acts or thoughts that are considered immoral or obscene.
彼は淫らな妄想にふけっていた。
He was indulging in lascivious fantasies.
Means 'obscene' or 'indecent', often used in legal or formal contexts to describe sexually explicit material or behavior.
その雑誌には猥褻な写真が掲載されていた。
The magazine contained lascivious photographs.
Slang for 'erotic' or 'sexy', but can also imply lewdness. Very common in casual speech.
その映画はちょっとエロすぎる。
That movie is a bit too lascivious.
To describe actions that are sexually suggestive or lewd.
A common phrase meaning 'to do something lewd/disgusting'. いやらしい can mean 'lewd', 'suggestive', or 'creepy'.
彼はいやらしいことをして、彼女に嫌がられた。
He did something lascivious and she was disgusted.
Specifically refers to groping or molestation, often on public transportation. A serious, criminal act.
電車内での痴漢行為は犯罪です。
Lascivious acts on the train are a crime.
To describe a way of looking that is sexually suggestive or lecherous.
Literally 'lewd look in the eyes'. A common way to describe a lascivious gaze.
彼のいやらしい目つきが気持ち悪い。
His lascivious gaze is creepy.
Literally 'eyes that seem to lick all over'. A vivid expression for a lecherous, undressing gaze.
彼は舐め回すような目で私を見た。
He looked at me with a lascivious, undressing gaze.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches all nuances of 'lascivious'. Choose based on context: 好色 for literary/formal, スケベ for casual, 猥褻 for legal/obscene, 淫ら for immoral lewdness.
好色 is more formal and often used in writing or to describe a person's nature. スケベ is casual, commonly used in everyday speech, and can be both an adjective and a noun (a lecher). スケベ can sound playful or insulting depending on tone.