Translation guide
The quality of being crude, offensive, or overly sexual in a way that is inappropriate or in poor taste. This guide covers how to express lewdness in Japanese, from direct terms for obscenity to describing lewd behavior, thoughts, or atmospheres.
To describe something as lewd, obscene, or indecent in a general sense, often with a moral or legal connotation.
The standard term for obscenity or lewdness, used in legal and formal contexts. Can describe acts, materials, or speech.
Similar to 猥褻 but often implies vulgarity or crudeness. Commonly used for lewd jokes or language.
卑猥な冗談
lewd joke
Describes lewd or licentious behavior, often with a nuance of being morally loose or wanton. Can be used for people or actions.
To express having lewd or lustful thoughts, often in a personal or psychological sense.
Literally 'wicked thoughts', often used for lewd or impure thoughts, especially in a self-admonishing or humorous way.
To describe lewd conduct, such as touching, staring, or making inappropriate advances.
Specifically refers to groping or molestation, often on public transportation. A serious crime in Japan.
痴漢行為は犯罪です。
Groping is a crime.
To refer to lewd talk, dirty jokes, or sexually explicit language.
Literally 'low topics', meaning dirty jokes or lewd conversation. Very common in casual settings.
To describe a place, situation, or person that feels lewd or sexually charged.
Direct translations like 'lewdness' as a noun are rarely used in natural Japanese. Instead, use adjectives or specific phrases depending on context.
猥褻 is the formal, legal term for obscenity. 卑猥 is more about vulgarity and is often used for speech or jokes. 猥褻 can sound more serious.
These are very casual and can be playful or insulting depending on tone. Use with close friends, not in formal settings.
彼のいやらしい態度にみんな不快になった。
His lewdness made everyone uncomfortable.
Uses いやらしい態度 (lewd attitude) instead of a noun.
lewd relationship
邪念を払う
banish lewd thoughts
Buddhist term for worldly desires, including sexual desire. Often used humorously to refer to lewd thoughts.
煩悩に負ける
give in to lewd desires
Colloquial term for a lecherous or lewd mind. スケベ means lewd or perverted, and 心 means heart/mind.
スケベ心を出す
show one's lewd side
Abbreviation of sexual harassment. Covers a wide range of lewd or inappropriate behavior, especially in workplaces.
セクハラで訴えられる
be sued for sexual harassment
To look at someone with lewd eyes; to ogle. いやらしい means lewd or disgusting.
彼はいやらしい目で女性を見ていた。
He was ogling women.
下ネタばかり言う
always telling dirty jokes
Erotic talk; lewd stories. エロ comes from 'erotic'.
エロ話で盛り上がる
get excited telling lewd stories
Adjective meaning lewd, suggestive, or disgusting in a sexual way. Can describe a person's demeanor, a joke, or an atmosphere.
いやらしい雰囲気
lewd atmosphere
Slangy adjective from 'erotic', meaning sexy or lewd. Often used for people, clothes, or situations.
その服、エロいね。
That outfit is lewd/sexy.