Translation guide
The English word "indecent" covers a range of meanings from sexually inappropriate to morally offensive or improper. This guide breaks down the main uses and provides natural Japanese equivalents for each.
Describing something sexually inappropriate, lewd, or obscene, such as behavior, clothing, or media.
The most common and direct equivalent for 'indecent' in a sexual sense. Used for obscene acts, materials, or exposure. Often appears in legal contexts.
Similar to わいせつ but slightly more literary or formal. Often used for lewd language or descriptions.
indecent language
Casual, colloquial term for 'indecent' or 'perverted' in a sexual sense. Often used in everyday conversation.
indecent book (pornographic)
Literary or old-fashioned term for lewd or indecent, often implying moral looseness.
indecent relationship
Specifically referring to exposing one's body in public, a legal offense.
Describing behavior that is offensive to moral standards, not necessarily sexual.
Means 'indiscreet' or 'improper', often used when someone acts inappropriately given the circumstances (e.g., joking at a funeral).
indecent remark (inappropriate for the situation)
Means 'rude' or 'ill-mannered', often used for indecent behavior that violates social etiquette.
Means 'vulgar' or 'crude', often used for indecent jokes or language.
Referring to unwanted sexual touching or advances.
Specifically refers to groping or molestation, especially on public transportation. The act itself is 'indecent assault'.
indecent assault (groping)
Short for 'sexual harassment', covers a broader range of indecent behavior including verbal harassment.
The English word 'indecent' is broad. Using a single Japanese word for all contexts can sound unnatural. Choose the term that matches the specific type of indecency (sexual, moral, legal).
Both mean 'obscene' or 'indecent' in a sexual sense. わいせつ is more common and used in legal contexts. 卑猥 is slightly more literary and often describes language or expressions.
He was arrested for indecent behavior.
That joke was indecent.
あの男は露出狂だ。
That man is an exhibitionist (indecent exposer).
無作法な振る舞い
indecent behavior (rude)
indecent joke
セクハラ発言
indecent remarks (sexual harassment)