Translation guide
The English word "obscene" covers a range of meanings from sexually explicit to morally outrageous. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is わいせつ (waisetsu), but depending on context, other words like 卑猥 (hiwai), 下品 (gehin), or エロ (ero) may be more natural. This guide breaks down the main uses and provides natural Japanese expressions for each.
Describing something as sexually indecent, pornographic, or lewd in a general sense, often in legal or formal contexts.
The standard term for 'obscene' in legal and formal contexts, referring to sexually explicit material or acts that are considered indecent.
He posted obscene images on the internet.
He was arrested for displaying obscene materials.
Similar to わいせつ but often used for lewd or vulgar language, jokes, or behavior. Slightly more colloquial.
I'm fed up with his obscene jokes.
Casual abbreviation of 'erotic'. Used to describe something as sexually suggestive or porn-like. Very common in everyday speech.
That movie is a bit too obscene.
Literary or formal term for lewd or licentious behavior. Often used in written descriptions.
They engaged in obscene acts.
Describing something as morally repulsive, shocking, or extremely offensive, often in a non-sexual context (e.g., violence, cruelty).
Means 'vulgar' or 'crude'. Used for behavior, language, or things that are in poor taste, not necessarily sexual.
That obscene language is unbearable to listen to.
A phrase meaning 'so horrible you want to cover your eyes'. Used for shocking or obscene scenes, often of violence.
Means 'detestable' or 'abominable'. Stronger emotional reaction, often used for morally repugnant acts.
Describing an amount, degree, or behavior that is shockingly excessive or beyond reasonable limits (e.g., obscene wealth, obscene amount of work).
Means 'exorbitant' or 'outrageous'. Commonly used for prices, amounts, or demands that are unreasonably high.
He amassed an obscene amount of wealth.
She bought a bag at an obscene price.
Means 'unthinkable' or 'outrageous'. Used for shocking situations, amounts, or behavior. Very common in speech.
Literally 'off the scale'. Used for numbers or amounts that are extraordinarily large.
While わいせつ is the direct translation for 'obscene', it is almost exclusively used for sexual indecency. For non-sexual offensiveness (e.g., obscene violence), use words like 下品 or おぞましい.
わいせつ is the formal/legal term. 卑猥 is slightly more colloquial and often used for lewd talk or jokes. エロ is casual and can be used for anything mildly erotic or porn-like. In formal writing, stick to わいせつ.
He was arrested for obscene behavior.
That joke is obscene.
The CEO's salary is obscene.
It was an obscenely brutal scene.
An obscene crime came to light.
I was given an obscene amount of work.
They made an obscene profit.