Translation guide
How to refer to a lesbian woman or lesbian relationships in Japanese, from formal terms to casual and community-preferred expressions.
Referring to a woman who is romantically and/or sexually attracted to other women.
The most standard and neutral term for a lesbian woman. Widely understood and used in formal contexts, media, and everyday conversation.
Describing a romantic or sexual relationship between two women.
Referring to the broader lesbian community, scene, or cultural aspects.
The standard term for the lesbian community. Used in activism, media, and everyday talk.
Terms like おかま (okama) or おなべ (onabe) are outdated and often offensive when used by outsiders. Stick to レズビアン or レズ if you are part of the community, or use neutral descriptive phrases.
The phrase カミングアウトする (coming out) is commonly used. You can say レズビアンであることをカミングアウトする (to come out as a lesbian).
She is a lesbian.
A common abbreviation of レズビアン. Casual and widely used in conversation and media, but can sound slightly blunt or slangy. Use with care in formal settings.
Can be perceived as derogatory or overly casual depending on context. レズビアン is safer in polite conversation.
I heard that girl is a lesbian.
Formal term meaning 'homosexual person'. Gender-neutral, but often used for lesbians in official or academic contexts. Can sound clinical.
She came out as a homosexual.
Literally 'lily'. Refers to the genre of female-female romance in manga, anime, and literature. Sometimes used to describe a lesbian relationship or identity in a poetic or fandom context, but not a standard term for a person.
Using 百合 to refer to a real person can be objectifying or fetishizing. Stick to レズビアン for actual people.
She likes yuri (girls' love stories).
That movie depicts a lesbian romance.
Directly means 'lesbian relationship'. Clear and straightforward.
They are in a lesbian relationship.
Similar to 女性同士の恋愛 but slightly more casual. 女 (おんな) can sound a bit blunt compared to 女性 (じょせい).
Some people have prejudices against lesbian relationships.
She is active in the lesbian community.
Means 'lesbian culture'. Used when discussing arts, literature, history, etc.
This book is about lesbian culture.