Translation guide
The English word "lewd" describes behavior, speech, or thoughts that are sexually crude, indecent, or lustful. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent; the best choice depends on whether you mean lewd actions, dirty jokes, a lecherous gaze, or a general atmosphere of indecency.
Describing sexually indecent or obscene behavior, often with a sense of moral disapproval.
The standard term for 'obscene' or 'indecent', used in legal and formal contexts as well as everyday speech. Can describe actions, materials, or speech.
He committed a lewd act on the train.
Please don't use lewd language.
Similar to 猥褻 but often implies vulgarity or crudeness. Commonly used for lewd jokes or suggestive comments.
I'm fed up with his lewd jokes.
Describes lewd or licentious behavior, often with a nuance of moral looseness or debauchery. More literary or old-fashioned.
She led a lewd life.
Slangy, casual term for 'erotic' or 'sexy', but can also mean 'lewd' depending on context. Often used for things that are sexually suggestive.
That movie is a bit too lewd.
Very casual and slightly vulgar term for 'lecherous' or 'perverted'. Often used to describe a person's character or a lewd act.
That old guy is always thinking lewd thoughts.
Describing a sexually suggestive look or stare that objectifies someone.
Literally 'disgusting look', this is the most common way to describe a lewd gaze. いやらしい alone can mean 'lewd' or 'suggestive'.
His lewd stare is creepy.
Casual way to say 'lewd eyes' or 'pervy look'. Often used among friends.
Don't look at me with those lewd eyes.
Even more direct and vulgar than エロい目. Implies a perverted, lecherous gaze.
I was stared at with lewd eyes.
Referring to sexually explicit or suggestive talk, jokes, or comments.
Literally 'low joke', this is the standard term for dirty jokes or lewd talk. Very common in casual conversation.
He's always telling lewd jokes.
Please stop with the lewd talk.
A more formal way to say 'lewd talk' or 'obscene stories'.
I can't keep up with his lewd stories.
Wasei-eigo for 'erotic talk'. Used for sexually explicit conversations, often in a playful or flirtatious context.
The lewd talk got lively at the group date.
Describing a person's inner state of having lewd or lustful thoughts.
Adjective meaning 'lewd', 'suggestive', or 'disgusting' in a sexual sense. Can describe thoughts, behavior, or appearance.
You're thinking lewd thoughts, aren't you?
Very direct and casual way to say 'lewd thoughts' or 'perverted ideas'.
Are you having lewd thoughts again?
Literally 'wicked thoughts', can imply lewd or immoral intentions. More literary and old-fashioned.
He harbored lewd thoughts.
Describing a situation, place, or media that has a sexually suggestive or indecent vibe.
Common phrase for a lewd or suggestive atmosphere.
That shop had a lewd atmosphere.
Casual way to say 'erotic atmosphere' or 'lewd vibe'.
A lewd atmosphere developed between the two of them.
Formal term for 'obscene content', used for media, books, websites, etc.
いやらしい is the most versatile and neutral-negative term for 'lewd'. It can describe a look, thought, joke, or atmosphere, and carries a sense of disgust or inappropriateness. エロい is casual and often means 'sexy' or 'erotic', but can be used for 'lewd' in a less judgmental way. スケベ is very direct and vulgar, implying a perverted or lecherous nature; use with caution.
Stop with the lewd talk. (neutral-negative)
That swimsuit is lewd/sexy. (casual, possibly complimentary)
That guy is seriously lewd/perverted. (vulgar, derogatory)
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'lewd'. Translating it directly as 猥褻 may sound too formal or legalistic in casual contexts. Choose the expression that matches the specific nuance: behavior, gaze, jokes, thoughts, or atmosphere.
He was arrested for lewd conduct.
Don't make lewd comments.
She gave him a lewd smile.
This site contains lewd content.