Translation guide
A castrated man, historically employed in harems or courts. In modern contexts, may refer metaphorically to a powerless or ineffectual man.
Referring to a man who has been castrated, especially one employed in a royal court or harem.
Standard term for a eunuch in historical contexts, especially in Chinese or Asian courts.
Describing a man who lacks power, influence, or masculinity, often in a derogatory sense.
Literally 'castrated man', used metaphorically to imply someone is weak or emasculated.
彼は会社で完全に去勢された男だ。
He's a completely emasculated man at the company.
When using 'eunuch' metaphorically, directly translating to 宦官 may sound historical or literal. Use phrases like 去勢された男 or 骨抜きにされた for the figurative sense.
中国の宮廷には多くの宦官が仕えていた。
Many eunuchs served in the Chinese imperial court.
Literally 'castrated person'; a more clinical or general term, not limited to court roles.
去勢者は歴史的に様々な役割を果たした。
Castrated individuals historically played various roles.
Archaic term for eunuch, used in classical Chinese texts; rarely used in modern Japanese.
史書には閹人の記述が見られる。
Descriptions of eunuchs can be found in historical records.
Means 'defanged' or 'neutered', often used for someone who has lost their power or edge.
あの政治家は完全に骨抜きにされた。
That politician has been completely neutered.
Simply 'powerless man'; less vivid than the metaphorical castration terms.
彼は会議ではいつも無力な男だ。
He's always a powerless man in meetings.