Translation guide
The English term "sexual perversion" is broad and can refer to a wide range of non-normative sexual behaviors or interests. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent that covers all uses naturally. The most common and versatile word is 変態 (hentai), but it is often used casually or humorously and can mean "pervert" as a person. For clinical or formal contexts, terms like 性的倒錯 (seiteki tōsaku) are used. This guide helps learners choose the right expression based on meaning and context.
To refer to someone or something as sexually perverted in a broad, often judgmental or casual way. This is the most common usage in everyday conversation.
The most common word for 'pervert' or 'sexual perversion'. Can refer to a person or their behavior. Often used casually, humorously, or as an insult. Note that 変態 also means 'metamorphosis' in biological contexts, but the sexual meaning is dominant in everyday speech.
あいつは変態だ。
That guy is a pervert.
変態行為で逮捕された。
He was arrested for perverted acts.
A formal, clinical term for 'sexual perversion' or 'paraphilia'. Used in psychological or medical contexts. Not typically used in casual conversation.
性的倒錯は精神医学の分野で研究されている。
Sexual perversions are studied in the field of psychiatry.
Short for 性的倒錯, meaning 'perversion' or 'inversion'. Can be used in formal or academic writing, but less common in speech.
彼の行動は倒錯的だ。
His behavior is perverted.
Literally 'abnormal sexual desire'. A more descriptive and clinical term, but less common than 性的倒錯. May appear in medical or legal documents.
異常性欲の治療法が議論されている。
Treatments for abnormal sexual desire are being discussed.
To refer to particular types of sexual perversions, such as exhibitionism, voyeurism, etc. Japanese often uses specific terms or descriptive phrases.
Attach to a noun to mean '~ fetish' or '~ interest'. For example, 靴下趣味 means 'sock fetish'. This is a common way to describe specific fetishes in casual contexts.
彼は制服趣味だ。
He has a uniform fetish.
From 'fetish'. Used as a suffix or standalone. E.g., 脚フェチ (leg fetish). Very common in casual speech.
私は声フェチです。
I have a voice fetish.
To call someone a pervert. This is a very common use of the English word, and Japanese has several equivalents with different nuances.
As above, the most common word for 'pervert'. Can be used for both men and women, though often directed at men.
変態！近寄らないで！
Pervert! Don't come near me!
Specifically refers to a molester or groper, especially on public transportation. A very common term in Japan.
A slightly old-fashioned but still common word for 'lecher' or 'pervert'. Often used in a teasing or humorous way.
Means 'dirty old man'. Used for older men who are perceived as perverted.
あのエロ親父がまた女子高生を見てる。
That dirty old man is staring at high school girls again.
Directly translating 'sexual perversion' as 性的倒錯 in everyday conversation will sound overly clinical and unnatural. Use 変態 or more specific terms instead.
彼は変態だ。
He's a pervert.
変態 is the general term for 'pervert' and can refer to various behaviors. 痴漢 specifically means 'molester' or 'groper', often in public places. スケベ is a more lighthearted or old-fashioned term for a lecherous person, often used jokingly.
To describe a specific fetish, you can use [noun] + 趣味. For example, 足趣味 (foot fetish). This is a neutral way to state a preference without the strong negative connotation of 'perversion'.
彼は変態行為で逮捕された。
He was arrested for sexual perversion.
Uses 変態行為 (perverted acts) rather than a direct translation of 'sexual perversion'.
足フェチを性的倒錯と見なす人もいる。
Some people consider foot fetishism a sexual perversion.
Uses 性的倒錯 in a more formal, judgmental context.
Means 'sexual preference' or 'sexual taste'. Can be used neutrally to describe someone's sexual interests, including paraphilias, without the negative connotation of 'perversion'.
彼の性的嗜好は特殊だ。
His sexual preferences are unusual.
I was groped on the train.
Grandpa is a lecher, isn't he?