Translation guide
Describes a man or boy whose appearance, mannerisms, or behavior are stereotypically associated with women. In Japanese, the most common and neutral term is 女っぽい, but many other words carry different nuances, from positive to derogatory.
To say a man has feminine qualities in a general, often observational way.
The most common and neutral way to say 'effeminate'. Can be used for appearance, voice, or mannerisms. Not strongly derogatory, but can imply a deviation from masculine norms.
彼は声が女っぽい。
He has an effeminate voice.
その俳優は女っぽい仕草で人気だ。
That actor is popular for his effeminate gestures.
Means 'feminine' and can be used for men in a more neutral or even positive way, focusing on elegance or grace. Often used in fashion or beauty contexts.
彼は女性的な顔立ちをしている。
He has feminine features.
Strongly derogatory, implying weakness, cowardice, or lack of manliness. Often used to criticize a man's personality or behavior.
This word is insulting and should be used with care. It's not just about appearance but about character.
そんな女々しいことで泣くな。
Don't cry over such a trivial thing (implying it's unmanly).
To describe a man's look, fashion, or physical traits as feminine, often in a stylish or beautiful way.
Means 'androgynous' or 'gender-neutral'. Often used positively for men with delicate, beautiful features that blur gender lines. Common in fashion and entertainment.
彼は中性的な魅力がある。
He has an androgynous charm.
そのモデルは中性的なファッションで知られている。
That model is known for androgynous fashion.
Specifically means 'cross-dressing' or 'wearing women's clothes'. Not a personality trait but an action or style.
Slang term for an effeminate gay man, often used in media for flamboyant personalities. Can be self-referential but may be offensive if used by outsiders.
Strongly associated with a specific media stereotype. Not a general term for 'effeminate'.
彼はオネエキャラで人気者だ。
He is popular as a flamboyant effeminate character.
To criticize a man for being weak, timid, or overly emotional in a way perceived as unmanly.
Means 'weak' or 'soft', often used for men who lack toughness or resilience. Can imply effeminacy in a derogatory way.
彼は軟弱で、すぐに諦める。
He is weak-willed and gives up easily.
Literally 'no guts', meaning cowardly or spineless. Often used to emasculate a man.
To use more sophisticated or classical expressions for effeminacy.
A literary term meaning 'effeminate and weak'. Rare in modern conversation.
彼は柔弱な青年だった。
He was an effeminate and weak young man.
Literally 'woman-man', an old-fashioned and derogatory term. Not used in polite speech.
彼は女男だと陰口を言われた。
He was gossiped about as being an effeminate man.
English 'effeminate' often carries a negative or clinical tone. In Japanese, the most neutral choice is 女っぽい, but even that can be taken as criticism. When complimenting a man's graceful or beautiful qualities, use 女性的 or 中性的 instead.
女っぽい describes outward traits (voice, looks, gestures) and is relatively neutral. 女々しい attacks a man's character as weak or cowardly and is always insulting.
He is good at cross-dressing.
いくじなし！そんなこともできないのか。
You coward! Can't you even do that?