Translation guide
The quality of being crude, offensive, or overly sexual in a way that is inappropriate or in poor taste. This guide covers how to express lewdness in Japanese, from direct terms for obscenity to describing lewd behavior, thoughts, or atmospheres.
To describe something as lewd, obscene, or indecent in a general sense, often with a moral or legal connotation.
The standard term for obscenity or lewdness, used in legal and formal contexts. Can describe acts, materials, or speech.
Similar to 猥褻 but often implies vulgarity or crudeness. Commonly used for lewd jokes or language.
Describes lewd or licentious behavior, often with a nuance of being morally loose or wanton. Can be used for people or actions.
To express having lewd or lustful thoughts, often in a personal or psychological sense.
Literally 'wicked thoughts', often used for lewd or impure thoughts, especially in a self-admonishing or humorous way.
To describe lewd conduct, such as touching, staring, or making inappropriate advances.
Specifically refers to groping or molestation, often on public transportation. A serious crime in Japan.
To refer to lewd talk, dirty jokes, or sexually explicit language.
Literally 'low topics', meaning dirty jokes or lewd conversation. Very common in casual settings.
To describe a place, situation, or person that feels lewd or sexually charged.
Direct translations like 'lewdness' as a noun are rarely used in natural Japanese. Instead, use adjectives or specific phrases depending on context.
猥褻 is the formal, legal term for obscenity. 卑猥 is more about vulgarity and is often used for speech or jokes. 猥褻 can sound more serious.
crime of displaying obscene materials
His lewdness made everyone uncomfortable.
Uses いやらしい態度 (lewd attitude) instead of a noun.
lewd joke
lewd relationship
banish lewd thoughts
Buddhist term for worldly desires, including sexual desire. Often used humorously to refer to lewd thoughts.
give in to lewd desires
Colloquial term for a lecherous or lewd mind. スケベ means lewd or perverted, and 心 means heart/mind.
show one's lewd side
Groping is a crime.
Abbreviation of sexual harassment. Covers a wide range of lewd or inappropriate behavior, especially in workplaces.
be sued for sexual harassment
To look at someone with lewd eyes; to ogle. いやらしい means lewd or disgusting.
He was ogling women.
always telling dirty jokes
Erotic talk; lewd stories. エロ comes from 'erotic'.
get excited telling lewd stories
Adjective meaning lewd, suggestive, or disgusting in a sexual way. Can describe a person's demeanor, a joke, or an atmosphere.
lewd atmosphere
Slangy adjective from 'erotic', meaning sexy or lewd. Often used for people, clothes, or situations.
That outfit is lewd/sexy.
Noun or adjective meaning lewdness or a lecherous person. Often used playfully or as an insult.
That person is a lecher.
卑猥な言葉
vulgar language
These are very casual and can be playful or insulting depending on tone. Use with close friends, not in formal settings.
The movie was banned for lewdness.
Uses 猥褻 (obscene) as an adjective.