Translation guide
Describes behavior that is sexually unrestrained, promiscuous, or disregarding of social norms. The Japanese options range from formal terms for debauchery to casual expressions for being a playboy or loose.
To describe a person or behavior that is sexually immoral, lacking restraint, or indulging in excessive sexual activity.
The most common and direct translation for 'licentious' in the sense of lewd or indecent behavior. Often used to describe actions, thoughts, or speech.
彼は淫らな行為にふけった。
He indulged in licentious acts.
その小説には淫らな描写が多い。
That novel contains many licentious descriptions.
Refers to a lecherous or lustful disposition. Often used to describe a person's character rather than a single act.
彼は好色な老人として知られている。
He is known as a licentious old man.
Implies debauchery and self-indulgent, dissolute living, often including sexual excess. Stronger than just 'licentious' and can cover drinking and gambling as well.
放蕩の限りを尽くす。
To indulge in every kind of licentiousness.
Literally 'disorderly pulse', it can describe licentious or promiscuous sexual conduct, but is less common and somewhat literary.
乱脈な性生活が問題になった。
His licentious sex life became a problem.
To describe a man who has many casual sexual partners, often in a disapproving way.
A common, slightly derogatory term for a womanizer or playboy. Implies a pattern of seducing women.
彼は女たらしで有名だ。
He's notorious for being a licentious womanizer.
Literally 'play person', it means a playboy or someone who lives for pleasure, often including sexual adventures.
Literally 'sex demon', a strong term for a lecherous man or sex fiend. More extreme than 'licentious'.
To describe a woman who is sexually unrestrained, often with a negative judgment.
A derogatory term for a promiscuous woman, similar to 'slutty' or 'loose'. Use with caution.
This is a strong, offensive term. Use only in very informal contexts or when translating harsh language.
彼女は尻軽だという噂だ。
There's a rumor that she's licentious.
Means a person who cheats or is unfaithful. Can be used for either gender, but often implies a licentious nature.
A strong, clinical or derogatory term for nymphomania or extreme sexual depravity. Rare in everyday speech.
Direct translations like '放埒な' (houratsu na) exist but are extremely rare and literary. Stick to the options above for natural Japanese.
Japanese has many gender-specific terms for licentiousness. '女たらし' is for men, '尻軽' for women. Using the wrong one can sound odd or offensive.
彼は遊び人で、何人もの女性と付き合っている。
He's a licentious playboy, dating multiple women.
That guy is a licentious sex fiend.
彼女は浮気者だから信用できない。
She's licentious, so I can't trust her.
淫乱な行動が目立つ。
Her licentious behavior stands out.