Translation guide
This entry covers how to express the concept of losing one's virginity in Japanese, including common phrases, euphemisms, and slang.
He lost his virginity when he was in high school.
Literally 'to have one's first experience'. Often used specifically for sexual experience. Can be used in both casual and formal contexts.
She lost her virginity after becoming a university student.
Literally 'to lose one's virginity' (female). This is a direct translation but can sound somewhat literary or formal. More commonly used for females.
She lost her virginity that night.
Literally 'to throw away one's virginity' (male). Used for males. Can be casual or slightly humorous.
He finally lost his virginity.
To refer to losing one's virginity in a softer or more indirect way.
Literally 'to have one's first relationship'. A euphemistic way to say losing one's virginity, often used in polite conversation.
They didn't lose their virginity until they got married.
Literally 'to cross the line'. A common euphemism for having sex for the first time or taking a relationship to a physical level.
It seems those two finally crossed the line (had sex).
To talk about losing one's virginity in very casual or slangy terms.
Slang term for losing one's virginity, originally meaning 'to use a new brush for the first time'. Can be used for both genders but often implies a male losing virginity to an experienced partner.
He lost his virginity to an older (more experienced) partner.
Literally 'to offer one's first time'. Can sound dramatic or romantic, often used in fiction or emotional contexts.
Terms like 処女 (shojo) and 童貞 (dōtei) are gender-specific. 処女 refers to female virginity, while 童貞 refers to male virginity. Using the wrong term can cause confusion or offense.
初体験 (shottaiken) is more directly associated with sexual experience, while 初めての経験 (hajimete no keiken) can refer to any first experience but is commonly understood as sexual in context. 初体験 is more explicit.
When was your first time? (sexual)
She gave her virginity to the person she loved.
I was nervous about my first experience. (could be sexual or not)