Translation guide
The English word "flasher" can refer to a person who exposes themselves indecently, a device that flashes lights (such as on a vehicle or in photography), or a warning light. This guide covers the most common Japanese equivalents for these meanings.
To refer to a person who exposes their genitals in public, typically for sexual gratification.
This is the standard term for a person who gets sexual pleasure from exposing their genitals in public. It literally means 'exposure mania' and is used in both formal and informal contexts.
公園で露出狂が出た。
A flasher appeared in the park.
While 'chikan' generally refers to a molester or groper, especially on trains, it can sometimes be used for a flasher if the act involves indecent exposure in a public place. However, it is broader and less specific than '露出狂'.
This word is more commonly associated with groping than flashing. Use '露出狂' for clarity when referring specifically to a flasher.
電車で痴漢にあった。
I encountered a flasher/molester on the train.
To refer to a device that causes lights to flash, such as turn signals on a car or a flashing light on an emergency vehicle.
This is the most common term for a vehicle's turn signal flasher. It is a loanword from English 'winker' and is used in everyday conversation.
右のウィンカーをつけてください。
Please turn on the right flasher.
A direct loanword from English, sometimes used in technical contexts or by car enthusiasts. It is less common than 'ウィンカー' in everyday speech.
To refer to a light that flashes on and off as a warning, such as on a construction barrier or a railroad crossing.
A general term for a flashing light used for warnings. It is commonly seen on road construction signs and barriers.
工事現場に点滅灯が設置されている。
Flashers are installed at the construction site.
Refers specifically to a rotating or flashing warning light, often used on emergency vehicles or as a portable warning device. It comes from 'patrol lamp'.
パトカーがパトランプを回している。
The police car has its flasher on.
To refer to a device that produces a flash of light for photography.
The standard term for a camera flash. It is a loanword from English and is widely understood.
フラッシュをたいて写真を撮る。
Take a picture with the flasher.
Technically refers to a stroboscopic flash, but is often used interchangeably with 'フラッシュ' for camera flashes, especially among photography enthusiasts.
Do not use 'フラッシャー' to refer to a person who exposes themselves. This is not understood in Japanese and may cause confusion. Use '露出狂' instead.
'ウィンカー' is the everyday term for a turn signal flasher, while '方向指示器' is the formal, legal term. In casual conversation, 'ウィンカー' is preferred.
車のウィンカーが壊れている。
The flasher on my car is broken.
学校の近くで露出狂が逮捕された。
A flasher was arrested near the school.
This is the formal, technical term for a turn signal or direction indicator. It is used in official documents, driving manuals, and by professionals.
方向指示器を点滅させる。
Activate the flasher.
フラッシャーリレーを交換する。
Replace the flasher relay.
ストロボを発光させる。
Fire the flasher.