Translation guide
The English word "rape" refers to the crime of sexual assault. In Japanese, the legal term has changed, and there are multiple words depending on formality and context. This guide covers the most common and useful expressions for an English-speaking learner.
Referring to the act of rape as a crime or concept.
The most direct and common word for rape. Historically used in legal contexts, but now being replaced by 不同意性交等罪 in law. Still widely understood.
彼は強姦の罪で逮捕された。
He was arrested for rape.
The current legal term for rape since 2023, emphasizing lack of consent. Used in formal and legal contexts.
刑法が改正され、強姦罪は不同意性交等罪に変わりました。
The criminal law was revised, and the crime of rape was changed to non-consensual sexual intercourse crime.
Loanword from English, commonly used in media and casual conversation. Can sound slightly less formal than 強姦.
Describing the action of raping someone.
The standard verb form. Can be used in active or passive voice.
犯人は女性を強姦した。
The perpetrator raped a woman.
Referring to a person who has been raped.
Standard term for rape victim. 被害者 means victim.
強姦被害者のための支援センターがあります。
There is a support center for rape victims.
Discussing the concept of rape culture or related social issues.
Direct loanword for 'rape culture', used in feminist and sociological discussions.
レイプカルチャーをなくすための運動が広がっている。
Movements to eliminate rape culture are spreading.
Referring to the specific crime of statutory rape (sex with a minor under the age of consent).
Referring to rape within marriage.
Literally 'marital rape'. The concept is recognized in Japanese law but may be less commonly discussed.
夫婦間強姦も犯罪です。
Marital rape is also a crime.
Referring to rape committed by multiple perpetrators.
Referring to systematic rape in conflict zones.
Means 'wartime sexual violence', the common term used in international and historical contexts.
戦時性暴力は人道に対する罪です。
Wartime sexual violence is a crime against humanity.
Rape is a highly sensitive and traumatic topic. Use these terms with extreme care and only when necessary. In many contexts, euphemisms or indirect language may be preferred. Avoid using these words casually or in jokes.
In 2023, Japan revised its Penal Code, replacing the crime of 強姦罪 (rape) with 不同意性交等罪 (non-consensual sexual intercourse crime). The new law broadens the definition and removes the requirement of 'violence or intimidation'. In everyday conversation, 強姦 is still widely understood, but in legal contexts, 不同意性交等罪 is now correct.
In Japanese, it is common to use indirect expressions when discussing sexual violence, such as 被害に遭う (to be victimized) or 乱暴する (to assault, can imply sexual assault). This can soften the impact in sensitive conversations.
彼女は乱暴された。
She was assaulted (sexually).
彼女は帰宅途中に強姦された。
She was raped on her way home.
強姦は重大な犯罪です。
Rape is a serious crime.
強姦の届出件数が増加した。
The number of reported rapes has increased.
That drama contains a rape scene.
Means 'sexual assault', broader than rape. Often used in news reports to encompass various sexual crimes.
性的暴行の被害者が支援を求めている。
Victims of sexual assault are seeking support.
She was raped by a stranger.
Loanword verb, more casual. Often used in colloquial speech or media.
彼は彼女をレイプしたと告白した。
He confessed that he raped her.
Literally 'to inflict sexual assault', a more formal and indirect way to describe the act.
容疑者は被害者に性的暴行を加えたとされている。
The suspect is alleged to have sexually assaulted the victim.
Using the loanword, common in media.
レイプ被害者が勇気を出して名乗り出た。
The rape victim courageously came forward.
Broader term for victim of sexual assault.
性的暴行の被害者は匿名で相談できます。
Victims of sexual assault can consult anonymously.
Japanese translation of 'rape culture', less common than the loanword but used in academic contexts.
強姦文化は社会の深刻な問題だ。
Rape culture is a serious problem in society.
Direct translation of 'statutory rape', used in legal contexts. Note that Japan's age of consent has recently changed.
法定強姦の罪で起訴された。
He was indicted for statutory rape.
In some Japanese prefectures, sexual acts with minors are prosecuted under local youth protection ordinances rather than as 'rape'. This phrase means 'violation of the youth protection and development ordinance'.
彼は青少年保護育成条例違反で逮捕された。
He was arrested for violating the youth protection ordinance (for sexual acts with a minor).
Another term for marital rape, using 'spouse' instead of 'married couple'.
配偶者間強姦の被害者は声を上げにくい。
Victims of marital rape find it difficult to speak out.
The standard term for gang rape. Often used in news reports.
彼らは輪姦の容疑で逮捕された。
They were arrested on suspicion of gang rape.
Another term for gang rape, literally 'group rape'.
集団強姦事件が発生した。
A gang rape incident occurred.
Direct loan translation, used in media and advocacy.
戦争レイプの被害者は今も苦しんでいる。
Victims of war rape are still suffering.