Translation guide
The English phrase 'make love' is a euphemism for having sex, often implying emotional intimacy. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent that carries the same nuance. The most natural way to express this depends on context, relationship, and level of formality. Common approaches include using the loanword セックスする, the softer phrase 愛し合う, or more poetic expressions like 肌を重ねる.
Express the act of making love in a romantic or intimate context, emphasizing emotional connection.
Literally 'to love each other', this verb implies mutual love and is often used euphemistically for making love. It carries a strong emotional and romantic nuance.
They made love until late at night.
The loanword from English, used broadly for 'have sex'. It can be neutral but may lack the romantic nuance of 'make love'. Often used in casual conversation.
I made love with him for the first time.
A poetic expression meaning 'to layer skin', used as a euphemism for making love. It emphasizes physical intimacy and is often found in literature or romantic contexts.
They quietly made love.
Similar to 肌を重ねる, meaning 'to layer bodies'. A euphemism for sexual intercourse, often used in novels or manga.
They made love many times.
Express the physical act of sex without necessarily emphasizing romance or love.
The most common and direct way to say 'have sex'. It is neutral and widely understood, but may sound blunt or clinical in some contexts.
Let's talk properly before we make love.
A very casual and somewhat crude verb meaning 'to do', used among close friends or in rough speech to mean 'have sex'. Not appropriate in polite or romantic contexts.
This word is very informal and can sound vulgar. Avoid using it in polite conversation or with someone you are not close to.
Literally 'to sleep', but can euphemistically mean 'to have sex' when context implies it, similar to English 'sleep with'. Often used with the particle と.
The phrase 'make love' cannot be directly translated into Japanese. Expressions like 愛を作る (あいをつくる) are not used and would be confusing. Always use one of the natural Japanese options above depending on the context.
愛し合う emphasizes mutual love and emotional connection, making it closer to 'make love' in a romantic sense. セックスする is a neutral term for sexual intercourse and may not convey the same intimacy. Choose based on whether you want to highlight the emotional aspect.
昨日彼女とやった。
I made love with my girlfriend yesterday.
I've never made love with him.