Translation guide
The concept of homosexuality in Japanese can be expressed through various terms, ranging from clinical to colloquial. The most common and neutral term is 同性愛 (どうせいあい). However, in everyday conversation, more specific or euphemistic terms are often used, and direct translation may not always be natural.
Expressing the concept of homosexuality in a neutral, formal, or academic context.
The standard, neutral term for homosexuality. Used in formal, medical, and academic contexts. Can refer to both male and female homosexuality.
同性愛は多くの国で合法化されています。
Homosexuality has been legalized in many countries.
Loanword from English, used in academic or formal contexts. Less common than 同性愛.
ホモセクシュアリティに関する研究が進んでいます。
Research on homosexuality is advancing.
Referring specifically to male homosexuality, often in casual or media contexts.
Explicit term for male homosexuality. Used when distinction is necessary.
男性同性愛者のカップルが養子を迎えました。
A male homosexual couple adopted a child.
Common loanword for gay men. Widely understood, but can be casual. Often used as a noun or adjective.
彼はゲイだとカミングアウトしました。
He came out as gay.
Abbreviation of ホモセクシュアル. Can be derogatory or slangy; use with caution. Often used in casual or vulgar contexts.
May be considered offensive; avoid in polite conversation.
Referring specifically to female homosexuality.
Explicit term for female homosexuality.
女性同性愛者の権利について議論する。
Discuss the rights of lesbians.
Standard loanword for lesbian. Often shortened to レズ in casual speech, but that can be derogatory.
彼女はレズビアンであることを公表した。
She publicly announced that she is a lesbian.
Shortened form of レズビアン. Often used in casual or vulgar contexts; can be derogatory.
May be offensive; use with care.
Referring to a person who is homosexual.
Neutral term for a homosexual person. Can be used for both men and women.
同性愛者に対する差別は許されない。
Discrimination against homosexuals is unacceptable.
Commonly used for gay men, but can sometimes be used generically for homosexual people in casual contexts.
ゲイの友達がたくさんいます。
I have many gay friends.
Terms like おかま (okama) for gay men or おなべ (onabe) for lesbians are often considered derogatory or outdated. Use with extreme caution, if at all. ゲイ and レズビアン are safer in most contexts.
彼はおかまだ。
He is a gay man. (derogatory)
同性愛 is the formal, clinical term. ゲイ and レズビアン are more common in everyday conversation and media. Use 同性愛 when discussing the concept academically or legally, and ゲイ/レズビアン when referring to people in a casual or respectful manner.
That show has a lot of gay jokes.
A lesbian couple was walking hand in hand.
Loanword, more clinical. Less common in everyday speech.
彼はホモセクシュアルであることを隠していない。
He doesn't hide that he is homosexual.