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.
彼は電車の中で猥褻な行為をした。
He committed a lewd act on the train.
猥褻な言葉を使わないでください。
Please don't use lewd language.
Similar to 猥褻 but often implies vulgarity or crudeness. Commonly used for lewd jokes or suggestive comments.
彼の卑猥な冗談にはうんざりだ。
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.
彼女は淫らな生活を送っていた。
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.
その映画はちょっとエロすぎる。
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.
あのオヤジ、スケベなことばかり考えてる。
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'.
彼のいやらしい目つきが気持ち悪い。
His lewd stare is creepy.
Casual way to say 'lewd eyes' or 'pervy look'. Often used among friends.
エロい目で見ないでよ。
Don't look at me with those lewd eyes.
Even more direct and vulgar than エロい目. Implies a perverted, lecherous gaze.
スケベな目でじろじろ見られた。
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.
彼はいつも下ネタばかり言っている。
He's always telling lewd jokes.
下ネタはやめてください。
Please stop with the lewd talk.
A more formal way to say 'lewd talk' or 'obscene stories'.
彼の卑猥な話にはついていけない。
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.
合コンでエロトークが盛り上がった。
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.
いやらしいことを考えてるでしょ。
You're thinking lewd thoughts, aren't you?
Very direct and casual way to say 'lewd thoughts' or 'perverted ideas'.
またスケベな考えしてるの？
Are you having lewd thoughts again?
Literally 'wicked thoughts', can imply lewd or immoral intentions. More literary and old-fashioned.
彼は邪な考えを抱いていた。
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.
その店はいやらしい雰囲気だった。
That shop had a lewd atmosphere.
Casual way to say 'erotic atmosphere' or 'lewd vibe'.
二人の間にエロい雰囲気が流れた。
A lewd atmosphere developed between the two of them.
Formal term for 'obscene content', used for media, books, websites, etc.
このサイトは猥褻な内容を含んでいます。
This site contains lewd content.
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.
いやらしい話はやめて。
Stop with the lewd talk. (neutral-negative)
その水着、エロいね。
That swimsuit is lewd/sexy. (casual, possibly complimentary)
あいつ、マジでスケベだな。
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.
彼は猥褻行為で逮捕された。
He was arrested for lewd conduct.
いやらしいコメントはやめて。
Don't make lewd comments.
彼女は彼にいやらしい笑みを浮かべた。
She gave him a lewd smile.