Translation guide
The concept of lechery refers to excessive or offensive sexual desire, lustfulness, or lewdness. In Japanese, this can be expressed through nouns, adjectives, and descriptive phrases that convey lust, lewdness, or a lecherous character.
Describing a person or their actions as lecherous, lustful, or lewd.
A noun or na-adjective meaning 'lust', 'sensuality', or 'lechery'. It can describe a person or their nature. Often used in formal or literary contexts.
He is a lecherous old man.
A colloquial noun or na-adjective meaning 'lecher', 'pervert', or 'lewdness'. Very common in casual speech. Can be used playfully or insultingly.
That person is a lecher.
Kanji form of スケベ, but less common. Same meaning: lewd, lecherous. The reading is often すけべい, but すけべ is more common.
Don't say lewd things.
A na-adjective meaning 'lewd', 'obscene', or 'licentious'. Often used to describe behavior or thoughts. More literary than スケベ.
An i-adjective derived from 'ero' (erotic). Means 'sexy' or 'lewd'. Very casual and modern. Often used to describe appearance or atmosphere.
That movie is a bit lewd.
Referring to the feeling of lust or lecherous desire itself.
A noun meaning 'lust' or 'sexual desire', often with a negative connotation. One of the seven deadly sins in Christianity.
to give in to lust
A noun meaning 'carnal desire' or 'lust'. Emphasizes physical, animalistic desire.
A noun meaning 'lust' or 'sexual passion'. Can also be used as a suru-verb (欲情する) meaning 'to feel lust'.
Referring to a person who is lecherous, especially an old man.
A common term for a lecherous middle-aged or old man. 'Oyaji' means old man or father. Often used humorously or derogatorily.
I encountered a lecherous old man on the train.
Similar to 助平親父, but using エロ (ero) for 'erotic'. Slightly more modern.
That lecherous old man came again.
Literally 'lust demon'. Refers to a lecherous person, often a man who preys on women. Strongly negative.
好色 (こうしょく) is a formal, literary term for lechery or lust, often used in written contexts or serious discussions. スケベ is a casual, everyday word that can be used playfully or as an insult. In spoken Japanese, スケベ is far more common.
erotic literature
The English word 'lechery' is quite formal and literary. In most everyday situations, Japanese speakers would use スケベ or エロい instead of 好色. Using 好色 in casual conversation may sound overly dramatic or old-fashioned.
肉欲に溺れる
to be consumed by carnal desire
欲情を抑える
to suppress one's lust
彼は色魔として知られている。
He is known as a lecher.