Translation guide
The concept of licentiousness—lacking moral restraint, especially in sexual behavior—is expressed in Japanese through words that emphasize debauchery, self-indulgence, or moral corruption. The most common terms are 放蕩 (hōtō) for a dissolute lifestyle and 淫乱 (inran) for sexual promiscuity. Learners should note that direct translations can sound literary or harsh; context-appropriate expressions are key.
To describe a lifestyle or character marked by lack of moral restraint, especially regarding pleasure-seeking and self-indulgence.
Refers to a dissolute, debauched lifestyle; often used for someone who indulges in drinking, gambling, and women. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'lead a dissolute life'.
彼は若い頃、放蕩の限りを尽くした。
In his youth, he indulged in every kind of debauchery.
放蕩息子が家に戻ってきた。
The prodigal son returned home.
Describes a self-indulgent, dissolute, or slovenly way of living; often implies laziness and lack of discipline. Less specifically sexual than 放蕩.
自堕落な生活を送っていると、体を壊すよ。
If you keep living such a dissolute life, you'll ruin your health.
Similar to 放蕩 but more literary; implies unbridled self-indulgence and disregard for social norms.
放埒な振る舞いが問題になった。
His licentious behavior became a problem.
To describe behavior or a person characterized by excessive or unrestrained sexual activity.
Directly means 'lewd' or 'sexually promiscuous'; often used for someone with insatiable sexual desires. Can be used as a noun or adjective (淫乱な).
彼女は淫乱だという噂がある。
There's a rumor that she's promiscuous.
淫乱な行為は慎むべきだ。
You should refrain from lewd acts.
Means 'lustful' or 'lecherous'; often used for a person who is constantly seeking sexual pleasure. Slightly old-fashioned or literary.
Slang for 'lecherous' or 'perverted'; very common in casual speech. Can be used as a noun or adjective (スケベな).
Alternate kanji for スケベ; slightly more vulgar or old-fashioned. Often written in kana.
To describe a state of moral decay or corruption, often in a broader societal or personal sense.
Means 'decadence' or 'degeneration'; often used for cultural or moral decline. Can be used as 退廃的 (decadent).
退廃的な生活に溺れる。
To indulge in a decadent lifestyle.
その時代は退廃の一途をたどった。
That era followed a path of decadence.
Means 'corruption' or 'depravity'; often used for a fall from grace or moral decline. 堕落する means 'to become corrupt'.
Variant of 退廃, using different kanji; very literary and rare.
The English word 'licentiousness' is quite formal and literary. In Japanese, directly translating it as 放蕩 or 淫乱 can sound overly dramatic or archaic in casual conversation. For everyday speech, use more specific terms like スケベ (lecherous) or describe the behavior with phrases like だらしない生活 (loose living).
放蕩 implies active indulgence in vices like drinking and womanizing, often with a sense of recklessness. 自堕落 is more about laziness and lack of self-discipline, leading to a slovenly lifestyle. 放蕩 is more about moral failing, while 自堕落 is about personal neglect.
好色な老人が若い女性に言い寄った。
A lecherous old man made advances toward a young woman.
That guy is really lecherous.
助平根性を出すな。
Don't let your lecherous nature show.
After assuming power, he became corrupt.
頽廃した社会を描いた小説。
A novel depicting a decadent society.