Translation guide
The English word "virgin" has several distinct meanings. This guide helps learners express the concept of sexual inexperience, the metaphorical sense of being new to something, and the specific term "virginity" naturally in Japanese.
Describing a person who has never had sexual intercourse.
The most common and direct word for a female virgin. Can be used in neutral or formal contexts. Note that it specifically refers to females.
彼女はまだ処女だ。
She is still a virgin.
The standard word for a male virgin. Often used in casual conversation among men. Can carry a slightly negative or teasing connotation depending on context.
Literally "inexperienced." A euphemistic and gender-neutral way to say someone is a virgin, often used in dating contexts or when being indirect.
Loanword from English. Used in casual conversation, often by younger people. Can sound slightly trendy or informal.
Literally "raw girl," an old-fashioned and somewhat literary term for a young female virgin. Rarely used in modern conversation.
Referring to the state of being a virgin.
The abstract noun for female virginity. Used in formal or academic contexts.
Describing someone who is doing something for the first time or is inexperienced in a particular area.
Attach to a noun to mean "first time doing X." This is the most natural way to express the metaphorical sense of "virgin" in Japanese.
海外旅行は初めてです。
I'm a travel virgin. / This is my first trip abroad.
Referring to a non-alcoholic version of a cocktail.
The standard term for a non-alcoholic cocktail. "Virgin" is not directly translated; instead, specify "non-alcoholic."
バージンモヒートをください。
I'll have a virgin mojito.
ノンアルコールのピニャコラーダはありますか？
Do you have a virgin piña colada?
Referring to Mary, the mother of Jesus.
処女 (shojo) is specifically for females, and 童貞 (doutei) for males. Using the wrong one can cause confusion or offense. For gender-neutral situations, use 未経験 (mikeiken) or rephrase with 初めて (hajimete).
When talking about being new to an activity, avoid directly translating "virgin" as 処女 or 童貞, as that sounds bizarre. Instead, use 初めて (hajimete) or 初心者 (shoshinsha). The loanword バージン is sometimes used metaphorically in casual speech, but it's safer to use the native expressions.
The phrase "lose one's virginity" is commonly expressed as 処女を失う (shojo o ushinau) for females and 童貞を卒業する (doutei o sotsugyō suru, literally "graduate from virginity") for males. The male version is a colloquial euphemism.
彼女はまだ処女だ。
She's still a virgin.
彼は童貞を卒業した。
He lost his virginity.
スキーは初めてです。
This is my first time skiing. (I'm a skiing virgin.)
彼は童貞を卒業した。
He lost his virginity.
私はまだ未経験です。
I'm still inexperienced (a virgin).
まだバージンなの？
Are you still a virgin?
She is as innocent as a virgin.
処女性を重視する文化もある。
Some cultures place importance on virginity.
The abstract noun for male virginity. Less common than 処女性 and mostly used in specific discussions.
童貞性についての議論はタブー視されがちだ。
Discussions about male virginity tend to be taboo.
A periphrastic way to say "virginity" (literally "the state of being a virgin") that works for females. Gender-neutral version: 未経験であること.
彼女は処女であることを誇りに思っている。
She is proud of being a virgin.
He's a skiing virgin.
Literally "inexperienced person." A formal or written way to refer to someone new to a field or activity.
未経験者歓迎の求人。
Job opening welcoming inexperienced applicants (virgins to the field).
Means "beginner." While not a direct translation of "virgin," it conveys the idea of being new to something. Commonly used in hobbies and skills.
私はプログラミング初心者です。
I'm a programming virgin (beginner).
The loanword "virgin" is sometimes used directly before the drink name, especially in bars familiar with English terms. Less common than ノンアルコール.
バージンダイキリを一つ。
One virgin daiquiri, please.
処女マリアの信仰。
The veneration of the Virgin Mary.