Translation guide
Lust refers to intense sexual desire. In Japanese, it is expressed through nouns, adjectives, and verbs that range from formal to slang, with important distinctions between desire as a feeling and lust as a character trait or sinful passion.
Expressing strong sexual desire or passion in a neutral or descriptive way.
The standard, neutral term for sexual desire or libido. Used in both everyday and formal contexts.
性欲が強い。
He has a strong sex drive.
性欲を抑えられない。
I can't control my lust.
Sexual desire or passion, often with a nuance of being aroused. Slightly more literary or formal than 性欲.
Sexual desire, often with a nuance of carnal lust. Can be used in religious or moral contexts (e.g., one of the seven deadly sins).
Referring to lust in a moral, religious, or judgmental sense, often as a vice.
Describing a look full of sexual desire.
A lustful look, literally 'eyes filled with desire'.
彼は欲情した目つきで彼女を見た。
He looked at her with lustful eyes.
Referring to a person who is driven by lust or is lecherous.
Using 'lust' metaphorically for a powerful craving, e.g., lust for power.
Suffix meaning 'desire for'. Combine with nouns to form words like 権力欲 (lust for power), 金銭欲 (lust for money).
彼は権力欲が強い。
He has a strong lust for power.
金銭欲に取り憑かれる。
To be possessed by a lust for money.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'lust'. The best choice depends on whether you mean sexual desire, sinful passion, a lecherous person, or a metaphorical craving. Using 性欲 for a person will sound odd; use 好色家 or スケベ instead.
性欲 is the standard, clinical term for libido. 欲情 implies arousal or passion in the moment. 肉欲 emphasizes the physical, carnal aspect and often carries a negative or sinful connotation.
彼は欲情に駆られた。
He was overcome with lust.
色欲は七つの大罪の一つです。
Lust is one of the seven deadly sins.
欲情をかき立てられる。
My lust is stirred up.
色欲に溺れる。
To be consumed by lust.
Carnal desire, fleshly lust. Strongly associated with physical, often sinful, passion.
肉欲に負ける。
To give in to lust.
Passion, lust, sexual desire. Often used in literary or psychological contexts.
情欲のままに行動する。
To act on pure lust.
Sexual misconduct, lewdness, lust as a sin. Strongly religious or moralistic term.
邪淫の罪を犯す。
To commit the sin of lust.
A lecherous or dirty look. More colloquial and negative.
いやらしい目で見ないで。
Don't look at me with those lustful eyes.
A lecher, a person who is fond of sexual pleasures. Neutral to slightly negative.
彼は有名な好色家だ。
He is a well-known lecher.
Slang for a lecherous person or pervert. Very common in casual speech.
あのオヤジ、スケベだな。
That old guy is such a lecher.