Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'sexual desire' ranges from clinical terms to slang. The most common and neutral term is 性欲 (seiyoku). More direct or crude expressions exist but are less appropriate in polite conversation. This guide covers formal, casual, and euphemistic ways to talk about sexual desire.
To refer to sexual desire in a neutral, psychological, or medical context.
The standard, neutral term for sexual desire or libido. Used in both formal and informal settings, similar to 'libido' or 'sexual appetite'.
性欲が強い。
I have a strong sexual desire.
性欲を抑える方法はありますか？
Is there a way to suppress sexual desire?
A more formal or academic term, literally 'sexual desire/need'. Often used in psychology or sociology.
人間の性的欲求は複雑だ。
Human sexual desire is complex.
To express intense or carnal sexual desire, often with a negative or passionate connotation.
Literally 'flesh desire', meaning carnal desire or lust. Can be used in both neutral and slightly negative contexts.
彼は肉欲に負けた。
He gave in to his carnal desires.
Lust, sexual passion. Often used in religious or moral contexts, such as one of the seven deadly sins.
Passionate desire, lust. More literary or emotional than 肉欲.
To talk about sexual desire in a casual, sometimes crude way, similar to 'horny' or 'sex drive'.
An onomatopoeic word describing a sudden surge of sexual desire. Very common in casual speech. Often used with する.
最近ムラムラすることが多い。
I've been feeling horny a lot lately.
Literally 'feeling naughty/sexual'. A softer, euphemistic way to say you're in the mood.
今夜はエッチな気分だ。
I'm feeling naughty tonight.
Sexual impulse or urge. More clinical than ムラムラ, but still used in everyday contexts.
To refer to sexual desire indirectly, often in a relationship context.
Literally 'that kind of mood'. A very common euphemism for being in the mood for sex.
今日はそういう気分じゃない。
I'm not in the mood for that today.
Literally 'night activities'. A poetic euphemism for sexual intercourse, implying desire.
夫婦の夜の営みが減った。
The couple's nighttime activities have decreased.
While ムラムラ is common, directly translating 'horny' as 角がある (having horns) is nonsensical. Use ムラムラする or エッチな気分 instead.
ムラムラしてる。
I'm horny.
性欲 is the everyday word for libido. 性的欲求 is more formal and often used in academic or clinical settings. In casual conversation, 性欲 is preferred.
色欲は七つの大罪の一つだ。
Lust is one of the seven deadly sins.
情欲に駆られて行動した。
I acted driven by lust.
性衝動をコントロールできない。
I can't control my sexual urges.