Translation guide
A form of entertainment where a person views live performers or images through a small opening, often for a fee. In Japanese, the term can refer to historical viewing boxes (nozoki karakuri), modern adult entertainment, or metaphorical 'peeping' situations.
A venue or booth where a customer pays to watch a live performer or video through a window or screen, typically of a sexual nature.
Literally 'peeping room'. Commonly used for modern peep show establishments where a performer is viewed through a window.
彼はのぞき部屋に行った。
He went to a peep show.
Direct loanword from English. Understood by many, but less common than native terms in everyday speech.
その店はピープショーを提供している。
That shop offers peep shows.
Hybrid term combining 'nozoki' (peeping) and 'show'. Casual and descriptive.
のぞきショーを見たことがありますか？
Have you ever seen a peep show?
A traditional Japanese peep show box where viewers look through a lens to see pictures or scenes, often with narration.
Edo-period entertainment device. Literally 'peep mechanism'. Still used in festivals or museums.
縁日でのぞきからくりを見た。
I saw a peep show box at the festival.
Literally 'peeping glasses'. Refers to the viewing device itself, sometimes used for old-fashioned peep shows.
Any situation where someone secretly watches others, not necessarily a commercial show.
In English, 'peep show' specifically implies a commercial or staged viewing. In Japanese, のぞき (nozoki) alone refers to the act of peeping, often with voyeuristic connotations. Use のぞき部屋 or ピープショー for the commercial establishment.
のぞき部屋は成人向けの娯楽です。
Peep shows are adult entertainment.
子供たちはのぞき眼鏡を覗き込んだ。
The children peered into the peep show viewer.
He peeped into the next room.