Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'adulterer' is expressed through various terms that differ by gender, marital status, and context. The most common and neutral term is 不倫相手, but more specific words exist for a mistress, a male lover, or the parties involved in an affair. This guide covers the key vocabulary and usage notes for an English-speaking learner.
To refer to a person someone is having an extramarital affair with, without specifying gender, or when the gender is clear from context.
The most common and neutral term for 'the person one is having an affair with'. It literally means 'adultery partner' and can refer to either a man or a woman, though it often implies the 'other woman' in heterosexual contexts. It is widely used in news, everyday conversation, and drama.
His adultery partner was a colleague at work.
I told him to break up with his affair partner.
Refers to a 'cheating partner', but 浮気 can also mean a fling or one-time infidelity, not necessarily a long-term affair. It is slightly less formal than 不倫 and can be used for non-marital relationships as well. Often used in casual contexts.
I called the person he was cheating with.
A dated and somewhat literary term for a male adulterer, specifically a man who has an affair with a married woman. It carries a negative, old-fashioned tone and is rarely used in modern conversation except in historical or dramatic contexts.
He is an adulterer who has a relationship with a married woman.
To specifically refer to a woman who is having an affair with a married man, or the 'other woman'.
Literally 'lover', but in the context of adultery it strongly implies a mistress or a kept woman. It can also refer to a male lover in some contexts, but it is overwhelmingly used for a female mistress. It often suggests a longer-term, financially supported relationship.
He has a mistress of many years.
A formal or literary term for a mistress, often used in legal or historical contexts. It emphasizes the sexual relationship outside marriage and can sound old-fashioned or dramatic.
A colloquial and somewhat dated term for a mistress, literally 'number two'. It implies a secondary wife-like status and is often used in a gossipy or humorous tone. Not suitable for formal situations.
To specifically refer to a man who is having an affair with a married woman.
While 愛人 alone usually implies a female mistress, adding 男の makes it clear that the lover is male. This is a straightforward way to specify a male adulterer in a relationship with a married woman.
She was secretly meeting her male lover.
The male counterpart to 情婦, meaning a male lover in an adulterous relationship. It is formal and somewhat literary, often used in legal or dramatic contexts. Note that 情夫 and 情婦 are homophones but written with different kanji.
A rare and literary term for a male mistress or kept man, often implying a financially dependent relationship. It is not used in everyday language.
To refer to the spouse who is unfaithful, rather than their lover.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'a person who is having an affair'. It is neutral and can be used for either gender. This is the safest way to refer to the unfaithful spouse without using loaded terms.
People who are having an affair often feel guilty.
A colloquial term for a 'cheater' or 'philanderer'. It can refer to someone who cheats in a relationship, not necessarily only in marriage. It has a judgmental tone and is often used in casual speech.
A legal/formal term for a male adulterer, specifically the married man who commits adultery. It is rarely used outside of legal documents or very formal writing.
The female counterpart to 姦夫, meaning an adulterous wife. Like 姦夫, it is a legal/formal term and very rarely used in everyday language.
In Japanese, directly calling someone an 'adulterer' (e.g., 姦夫/姦婦) sounds extremely harsh and legalistic. In most situations, it's more natural to use descriptive phrases like 不倫をしている人 or refer to the affair itself (不倫). The term 不倫相手 is the most common way to refer to the affair partner, but it still carries a negative connotation.
不倫 (furin) specifically refers to extramarital affairs and implies a breach of marital vows. 浮気 (uwaki) is broader and can mean cheating in any romantic relationship, or even a fleeting infatuation. 不倫 is more serious and formal; 浮気 is more casual and can sometimes be used lightly. When talking about adultery, 不倫 is the standard term.
The company president bought his mistress an apartment.
彼は情婦との間に子供がいる。
He has a child with his mistress.
That politician apparently has a mistress.
彼女の情夫は若い俳優だった。
Her lover was a young actor.
彼女は男妾を囲っているという噂だ。
Rumor has it she keeps a male lover.
彼は浮気者だから信用できない。
He's a cheater, so I can't trust him.
The adulterous man and woman were both punished.
The adulteress was sentenced to stoning.