Translation guide
Describes sexual orientation toward the opposite sex. In Japanese, the most common term is 異性愛者 (いせいあいしゃ), but loanwords like ヘテロ (hetero) and ストレート (straight) are also used, especially in casual contexts. The concept is often expressed through phrases like 異性が好き (いせいがすき) or 異性に惹かれる (いせいにひかれる).
To describe a person who is attracted to the opposite sex, or the orientation itself.
Standard term for a heterosexual person. Literally 'opposite-sex love person'. Can be used in formal and informal contexts.
彼は異性愛者です。
He is heterosexual.
異性愛者としての権利も守られるべきだ。
The rights of heterosexual people should also be protected.
Loanword from English 'hetero'. Common in casual conversation and LGBTQ+ contexts. Often used as a noun or adjective.
あの人はヘテロだよ。
That person is hetero.
ヘテロの友達が多い。
I have many hetero friends.
Loanword from English 'straight'. Used similarly to ヘテロ, but can also mean 'honest' or 'direct' in other contexts, so context is important.
彼女はストレートだから、女性には興味がない。
She's straight, so she's not interested in women.
Refers to the orientation itself (heterosexuality), rather than a person. More formal or academic.
異性愛は最も一般的な性的指向だ。
Heterosexuality is the most common sexual orientation.
To say that someone is attracted to or likes the opposite sex, often in a more natural, conversational way.
Simple and natural way to say 'likes the opposite sex'. Can be used in casual conversation.
私は異性が好きです。
I like the opposite sex.
異性が好きな人もいれば、同性が好きな人もいる。
Some people like the opposite sex, and some like the same sex.
Means 'to be attracted to the opposite sex'. Slightly more romantic or emotional nuance than 好き.
彼は異性に惹かれるタイプだ。
He's the type who is attracted to the opposite sex.
Literally 'has interest in the opposite sex'. Can be used to indicate sexual/romantic interest, but also general curiosity. Context clarifies.
彼は異性に興味があるみたいだ。
He seems to be interested in the opposite sex.
To specify heterosexuality in discussions about sexual orientation diversity, often using the term ノンケ.
Slang term originating from the gay community, meaning 'straight' or 'not gay'. Widely used in LGBTQ+ contexts and casual speech. Can be used as a noun or adjective.
彼はノンケだから、ゲイバーにはあまり来ない。
He's straight, so he doesn't come to gay bars much.
ノンケの友達にカミングアウトした。
I came out to my straight friend.
All three can mean 'heterosexual' in casual contexts. ヘテロ is a direct loan from 'hetero', ストレート from 'straight'. ノンケ is originally gay slang and is very common in LGBTQ+ discussions. ストレート can also mean 'honest' or 'direct' (e.g., ストレートな表現), so be careful with context. 異性愛者 is the most neutral and formal term.
Direct translations like '異性の' (opposite-sex) as an adjective are not natural. Instead of 'heterosexual marriage', say 異性婚 (いせいこん) or 異性愛者同士の結婚. For 'heterosexual relationship', use 異性愛関係 (いせいあいかんけい) or simply 異性との関係.
彼は異性愛者です。
He is heterosexual.
Also used in contrast to LGBTQ+ identities, but more formal than ノンケ.
異性愛者もLGBTQ+の権利を支持すべきだ。
Heterosexual people should also support LGBTQ+ rights.