Translation guide
A type of nightlife establishment in Japan where hostesses provide companionship and conversation, and where some level of sexual contact or services may be permitted, ranging from touching to more explicit acts. These clubs are distinct from regular hostess clubs and are often part of the fūzoku (sex industry).
The most common and direct way to refer to such establishments in Japanese.
Broad term for any sex-related business, including hostess clubs where sexual conduct is allowed. Often used in legal and general contexts.
この地域には風俗店が多い。
There are many adult entertainment establishments in this area.
Abbreviation of 風俗店, commonly used in conversation to refer to the sex industry or such clubs.
彼は風俗で働いている。
He works in the sex industry.
Terms for particular kinds of clubs where hostesses provide sexual services, ranging from touching to intercourse.
A portmanteau of 'cabaret' and 'club'. Hostesses serve drinks and chat, and some physical contact like touching may be allowed, but full sexual services are typically not provided on premises. Often considered a gray zone.
週末はキャバクラに行く。
I go to a hostess club on weekends.
Short for 'sexy cabaret club'. Similar to a regular cabaret club but with more explicit sexual touching allowed. Hostesses may wear revealing clothing.
セクキャバは普通のキャバクラより過激だ。
Sexy cabaret clubs are more extreme than regular hostess clubs.
Short for 'pink salon'. A type of club where hostesses provide oral sex. Very explicit sexual conduct is the main service.
Ways to refer to such clubs without being explicit, often used in polite conversation or media.
Literally 'water trade job'. A euphemism for working in nightlife entertainment, including hostess clubs with or without sexual services. Context determines the exact nature.
彼女はお水の仕事をしている。
She works in the nightlife industry.
Literally 'night work'. A vague term that can include hostess clubs, bars, and sex work. Less specific than お水の仕事.
夜の仕事は体力的にきつい。
Night work is physically demanding.
Prostitution is illegal in Japan, but many establishments operate in legal gray areas. Terms like 風俗店 cover a wide range of services. Be aware that directly asking about sexual conduct may be considered rude or suspicious.
日本では売春は法律で禁止されています。
Prostitution is prohibited by law in Japan.
キャバクラ focuses on conversation and drinking with light touching possible. セクキャバ allows more explicit touching. ピンサロ provides oral sex. The level of sexual conduct increases from left to right.
キャバクラは会話が中心で、セクキャバは触れることが多い。
Cabaret clubs focus on conversation, while sexy cabaret clubs involve more touching.
ピンサロは風俗の一種だ。
A pink salon is a type of sex establishment.
Often abbreviated as 'fashion health' or 'fashion'. A type of brothel where sexual intercourse is provided, but technically not allowed by law, so it operates in a gray area. Hostesses may wear costumes.
ファッションヘルスは都市部に多い。
Fashion health parlors are common in urban areas.