Translation guide
The age at which a person is legally considered old enough to consent to sexual activity. In Japan, the national age of consent is 16, but local ordinances often raise it to 18. This entry covers how to refer to the legal concept and how to discuss it in context.
Referring to the legal age of consent as a concept or law.
The standard legal term for 'age of consent' in Japanese, literally 'sexual consent age'. Used in formal and legal contexts.
日本では性的同意年齢は16歳です。
In Japan, the age of consent is 16.
An alternative term meaning 'age of consent for sexual intercourse'. Less common but still used in legal discussions.
性交同意年齢は国によって異なります。
The age of consent for sexual intercourse varies by country.
Shortened form meaning 'consent age'. Can be used in context where the sexual nature is clear, but may be ambiguous otherwise.
同意年齢に関する法律が改正されました。
The law regarding the age of consent was revised.
Checking if someone is above the age of consent, or stating that someone is under/over it.
Directly asking someone's age. In Japanese, it's common to ask age directly, but be mindful of politeness. Use with caution in sensitive contexts.
すみません、お年はいくつですか？
Excuse me, how old are you? (polite)
Means 'minor' (under 20 in Japan, though the age of majority was lowered to 18 in 2022). Often used in contexts related to consent and legal capacity.
彼女はまだ未成年です。
She is still a minor.
Means 'adult' (legally 18 or older since 2022). Used to indicate someone has reached the age of majority.
Talking about whether sexual activity is legal based on age, or discussing the concept of consent.
Means 'sexual activity with consent'. Used to emphasize the presence of consent.
同意の上での性行為でなければ違法です。
It is illegal if it is not consensual sexual activity.
Means 'has not reached the legal age'. Used in formal warnings or explanations.
法定年齢に達していない人との性行為は犯罪です。
Sexual activity with a person who has not reached the legal age is a crime.
While '性的同意年齢' is the correct legal term, in casual conversation it's more natural to ask about age directly or use terms like '未成年' (minor) or '成人' (adult). Avoid literal translations like '同意の年齢' without context, as it may sound unnatural.
Japan lowered the age of majority from 20 to 18 in April 2022. However, the age of consent under national law remains 16, though many prefectures have ordinances effectively raising it to 18. Be aware of this distinction when discussing legal ages.
彼は成人しているので、問題ありません。
He is an adult, so there's no problem.