Translation guide
How to talk about having sex in Japanese, from neutral to slang, with notes on politeness and context.
To say 'have sex' in a straightforward, non-vulgar way.
The most common and neutral way to say 'have sex'. Uses the loanword セックス (sekkusu) with the verb する.
彼らはセックスをした。
They had sex.
A more formal or clinical term for sexual intercourse. Often used in medical or legal contexts.
性行為をする前に同意を確認してください。
Please confirm consent before having sex.
Literally 'to have a physical relationship'. A euphemistic way to refer to a sexual relationship, often implying an ongoing affair.
彼らは肉体関係を持っていた。
They had a physical relationship.
To talk about having sex in a very casual or slangy way among friends.
A very common slang verb meaning 'to do it' or 'to have sex'. Can be crude depending on context.
昨日、彼女とやった。
I did it with my girlfriend yesterday.
From the letter 'H', a euphemistic and widely used slang for sex. Softer than やる.
エッチしようよ。
Let's have sex.
Literally 'to sleep', but often used to mean 'to have sex with' when combined with と. Context-dependent.
彼と寝た。
I slept with him.
Slang for 'to have a quickie' or 'to do it once'. Very casual and masculine.
一発やろうぜ。
Let's do it (once).
To refer to having sex in a polite or indirect manner, suitable for formal situations or when avoiding directness.
Literally 'to have a relationship', often implying a sexual one. More indirect than 肉体関係.
彼とは関係を持っていません。
I don't have a (sexual) relationship with him.
Similar to 肉体関係 but slightly softer. 'To have a physical relationship'.
体の関係を持つ前に、よく話し合うべきだ。
You should talk thoroughly before having a physical relationship.
To express 'having sex' in a vulgar or offensive way. Use with caution.
Means 'to rape' or 'to violate'. Extremely offensive and not a neutral term for sex. Included here for recognition, not use.
This word means rape, not consensual sex. Do not use it to mean 'have sex'.
彼は彼女を犯した。
He raped her.
Direct loan from English 'fuck'. Used in slang but can be very strong and offensive.
ファックユー！
Fuck you!
English phrases like 'sleep with' can be translated literally as 寝る, but this only works in context. 'Make love' is often translated as 愛し合う (to love each other) rather than a direct phrase.
セックス is a neutral loanword, while エッチ is a softer, more euphemistic slang term. エッチ can also mean 'perverted' or 'lewd' as an adjective, so context matters.