Translation guide
The concept of vulgarity in Japanese can be expressed through words describing coarseness, crudeness, or lack of refinement. The most common and versatile term is 下品 (gehin), which covers a wide range of vulgar behavior, speech, or taste. Other terms carry nuances of boorishness, obscenity, or low class. This guide helps learners choose the right word based on context.
Describing something as vulgar in a broad sense—lacking refinement, in poor taste, or crude in manner or speech.
The most common and versatile word for 'vulgar.' It can describe behavior, speech, jokes, clothing, or anything considered crude or tasteless. Suitable for most everyday situations.
あの冗談は下品だった。
That joke was vulgar.
下品な言葉遣いはやめてください。
Please stop using vulgar language.
Means 'boorish,' 'uncouth,' or 'unrefined.' Often used for someone who lacks sophistication or says something tactless. Less about obscenity and more about being socially awkward or crude.
そんなことを聞くなんて野暮だね。
It's boorish to ask such a thing.
Means 'vulgar' or 'lowbrow,' often used for media, entertainment, or speech that is cheap and lacking in class. Common in criticism of TV shows or jokes.
その番組は低俗すぎる。
That TV show is too vulgar.
A more literary term for 'vulgar' or 'base,' often used in formal writing. Similar to 低俗 but less common in everyday speech.
卑俗な表現を避けるべきだ。
One should avoid vulgar expressions.
Referring to vulgarity that is explicitly sexual, lewd, or obscene.
The standard term for 'obscene' or 'lewd.' Used in legal contexts (e.g., obscenity laws) and everyday speech for sexually explicit material or behavior.
猥褻な画像を送らないでください。
Please don't send obscene images.
彼は猥褻な言葉を叫んだ。
He shouted obscene words.
From 'erotic,' used as a prefix or standalone to mean 'sexy' or 'lewd.' Very common in casual speech, but can sound crude or direct. Often used in compound words like エロ本 (porn magazine).
その映画はちょっとエロすぎる。
That movie is a bit too lewd.
Means 'lewd,' 'lascivious,' or 'wanton.' More literary and old-fashioned. Often used in historical or dramatic contexts.
Describing something as vulgar because it is associated with low social status or lack of cultivation.
Means 'lowly,' 'base,' or 'vulgar' in the sense of low social standing or coarse nature. Can be used for people or behavior. Somewhat formal or literary.
彼は下賤な生まれだと馬鹿にされた。
He was scorned for his lowly birth.
Means 'vulgar,' 'mean,' or 'base.' Stronger than 下品, implying a lack of moral character or dignity. Often used for despicable behavior.
Means 'vulgar' in the sense of 'worldly' or 'common,' lacking refinement. Often used for tastes or interests that are considered lowbrow.
下品 is the most general term for vulgarity, covering bad taste, crude jokes, and rude behavior. 低俗 is often used for media or speech that is lowbrow or cheap. 猥褻 specifically refers to sexual obscenity and is used in legal contexts.
The character 俗 (zoku) means 'common' or 'worldly,' but 俗 alone is not used as an adjective for 'vulgar.' Use compounds like 低俗 or 俗っぽい instead. Saying 俗な is not natural.
Lewd acts are not permitted.
He earns money by vulgar means.
彼の趣味は俗っぽい。
His hobbies are vulgar.