Translation guide
Describes excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures, often involving sex, alcohol, or drugs. Japanese expressions range from formal terms for moral corruption to casual words for wild partying.
General term for wild, immoral behavior involving drinking, sex, etc.
The most direct translation, meaning dissipation or profligacy. Often used in literary or formal contexts.
In his youth, he indulged in every kind of debauchery.
Refers to riotous or disorderly conduct, often with a sexual connotation. Used for wild parties or orgies.
The party descended into debauchery.
Literally 'alcohol and sex', a classical term for debauchery focused on drinking and women.
He led a life of debauchery, drowning in alcohol and women.
Strongly connotes sexual debauchery or lewdness. Rare and literary.
The novel depicts the debauchery of the aristocracy.
Casual, modern context of excessive drinking and partying.
A lively, noisy party or spree, often involving heavy drinking. Closest to 'debauchery' in a party sense.
Last night was a wild debauch.
Similar to どんちゃん騒ぎ but emphasizes the chaotic, drunken revelry. Often used for boisterous parties.
They engaged in drunken debauchery.
Literally 'foolish uproar', used for wild, silly partying. Less specifically sexual or immoral.
We had a debauched time at the graduation party.
Focus on the sinful or corrupt aspect of debauchery.
Means corruption, depravity, or falling into vice. Often used in moral or religious contexts.
His descent into debauchery ruined him.
Decadence, often associated with moral decay and excessive luxury. Used for societies or eras.
That era is known for its decadence and debauchery.
Self-indulgent and dissolute lifestyle. Implies laziness and lack of self-control.
I can't stand to watch his debauched lifestyle.
Directly translating 'debauchery' as 放蕩 may sound overly formal or archaic in casual conversation. Use context-appropriate terms like どんちゃん騒ぎ for parties or 堕落 for moral decay.
放蕩 is a broader term for a dissolute lifestyle, while 乱行 specifically refers to disorderly conduct or orgies. 放蕩 can be used for a person's character; 乱行 is more event-focused.