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.
Many eunuchs served in the Chinese imperial court.
Literally 'castrated person'; a more clinical or general term, not limited to court roles.
Archaic term for eunuch, used in classical Chinese texts; rarely used in modern Japanese.
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.
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.
Castrated individuals historically played various roles.
Descriptions of eunuchs can be found in historical records.
He's a completely emasculated man at the company.
Means 'defanged' or 'neutered', often used for someone who has lost their power or edge.
That politician has been completely neutered.
Simply 'powerless man'; less vivid than the metaphorical castration terms.
He's always a powerless man in meetings.