Translation guide
The English word 'hermaphrodite' can refer to organisms with both male and female reproductive organs, or metaphorically to things combining opposite qualities. In Japanese, the translation depends heavily on context: biological, medical, mythological, or figurative. Direct translations exist but may sound technical or outdated; in everyday or respectful contexts, alternative phrasing is often preferred.
Referring to an animal or plant that has both male and female reproductive organs, either simultaneously or sequentially.
Standard biological term for an organism that has both male and female reproductive organs. Neutral and scientific.
ミミズは雌雄同体です。
Earthworms are hermaphrodites.
Literally 'possessing both sexes'. Used in biology, but can also appear in medical or literary contexts. Slightly more formal than 雌雄同体.
その魚は両性具有の特徴を示す。
That fish exhibits hermaphroditic characteristics.
Specifically for plants that have both male and female flowers on the same individual (monoecious). Not used for animals.
トウモロコシは雌雄同株の植物です。
Corn is a monoecious plant (hermaphroditic in the botanical sense).
Referring to a person born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn't fit typical definitions of female or male. Note: 'hermaphrodite' is now often considered outdated or stigmatizing when applied to humans; 'intersex' is preferred in English. Japanese usage mirrors this sensitivity.
an intersex person · born with ambiguous genitalia · a person with both male and female characteristics
Medical term for intersex conditions. Historically used, but can be clinical. In modern sensitive contexts, explanatory phrases may be preferred.
In everyday conversation, using this term directly about a person may be insensitive. Consider context and relationship.
彼は半陰陽として生まれた。
He was born intersex.
Loanword from English 'intersex'. Increasingly used in advocacy and medical contexts as a more neutral term.
インターセックスの人々の権利について話し合う。
Discuss the rights of intersex people.
Literally 'person possessing both sexes'. Very direct translation of 'hermaphrodite' for humans. Can sound clinical or outdated.
その伝説の人物は両性具有者として描かれている。
The legendary figure is depicted as a hermaphrodite.
Referring to a deity, mythical being, or symbolic representation that embodies both sexes, often representing unity or primordial wholeness.
A deity possessing both sexes. Used in mythology and religious studies.
その神話には両性具有神が登場する。
A hermaphroditic deity appears in that myth.
Descriptive phrase: 'a being that is neither male nor female'. Useful when explaining the concept without using technical terms.
その像は男でも女でもない存在を表している。
The statue represents a being that is neither male nor female (a hermaphrodite).
Metaphorically describing something that blends contrasting characteristics, such as an object, style, or concept.
Means 'having contradictory elements together'. A natural way to express the figurative sense without using biological terms.
その建築は相反する要素を併せ持つデザインだ。
The architecture has a hermaphroditic design, blending opposite elements.
Adjectival form meaning 'hermaphroditic' in a figurative sense. Can sound academic or literary.
彼の作品は両性具有的な美しさがある。
His work has a hermaphroditic beauty.
When referring to people, the English word 'hermaphrodite' is increasingly considered outdated and stigmatizing. Similarly, direct Japanese translations like 半陰陽 or 両性具有者 can be clinical or offensive. In respectful communication, use インターセックス or descriptive phrases, and prioritize the individual's preferred terminology.
For animals and plants, 雌雄同体 is the standard biological term. For humans, 半陰陽 is the traditional medical term, but インターセックス is gaining acceptance. In casual conversation, it's often better to explain the concept rather than use a single word.