Translation guide
Describes something slightly indecent, suggestive, or sexually provocative, often in a playful or humorous way. Japanese has several expressions depending on the nuance and context.
To describe jokes, stories, or remarks that are a bit naughty or risqué.
The most direct equivalent. Means 'close to the edge', 'suggestive', or 'risqué'. Can be used for jokes, comments, or situations.
彼のジョークはちょっと際どかった。
His joke was a bit risqué.
Kana version of 際どい, often used in casual writing.
あの映画、きわどいシーンが多かったね。
That movie had a lot of risqué scenes, didn't it?
Means 'naughty' or 'sexual'. More direct than 際どい, often used for mildly sexual content.
エッチな話はやめてください。
Please stop with the risqué talk.
Means 'lewd' or 'suggestive' but often carries a negative connotation of being creepy or indecent. Use with caution.
Can sound judgmental or offensive. Not a neutral term.
彼の視線がいやらしかった。
His gaze was risqué/lewd.
To describe clothing, dance, or art that is sexually provocative but not explicit.
Loanword meaning 'sexy'. Commonly used for fashion, appearance, or performance.
彼女のドレスはとてもセクシーだった。
Her dress was very risqué/sexy.
Means 'extreme' or 'radical'. Can describe risqué content that pushes boundaries, like provocative performances or outfits.
そのダンスは過激すぎて放送できなかった。
The dance was too risqué to be broadcast.
Literally 'showing a lot of skin'. Used for revealing clothing. More descriptive than 'risqué'.
露出の多い服は職場にふさわしくない。
Risqué/revealing clothes are not appropriate for the workplace.
To describe content that is almost offensive or taboo but stops just short.
Means 'barely within limits'. Often used for risqué jokes or content that is almost crossing the line.
あのコントはギリギリの内容だった。
That comedy sketch had risqué content (barely acceptable).
Also works here, emphasizing the borderline nature.
際どいラインを攻めたジョークだね。
That joke really pushed the risqué line.
際どい is the safest and most neutral for 'risqué'. エッチな is more directly sexual and casual. いやらしい often implies a negative, creepy feeling and should be used carefully.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches all nuances of 'risqué'. Choose the option that best fits the context: borderline (際どい), sexy (セクシーな), extreme (過激な), or barely acceptable (ギリギリの).