Translation guide
This entry covers how to refer to a paedophile in Japanese, including clinical, legal, and colloquial terms, as well as strategies for discussing the topic sensitively.
To refer to a paedophile in a clinical, psychological, or formal context.
The standard clinical term for a paedophile, directly translating to 'child sexual orientation person'. Used in psychology and formal discussions.
彼は小児性愛者として治療を受けている。
He is receiving treatment as a paedophile.
Loanword from English 'pedophilia', used in medical or academic contexts. Often refers to the condition rather than the person.
ペドフィリアは精神障害の一つに分類される。
Pedophilia is classified as a mental disorder.
To refer to a paedophile in legal contexts or news reports, often focusing on criminal acts.
Means 'child sex offender'. Used in legal and news contexts when referring to someone who has committed sexual crimes against children.
その児童性犯罪者は逮捕された。
The child sex offender was arrested.
Similar to 児童性犯罪者, but uses 小児 (young child) instead of 児童 (juvenile). Slightly more clinical.
小児性犯罪者の再犯率は高いと言われている。
The recidivism rate of child sex offenders is said to be high.
To refer to a paedophile in everyday conversation, often with strong negative connotations.
Abbreviation of 'Lolita complex'. Originally referred to an attraction to young girls, but now broadly used for paedophiles or those with an interest in underage characters in fiction. Can be derogatory.
あの男はロリコンだという噂がある。
There's a rumor that guy is a paedophile.
Abbreviation of 'Shotaro complex'. Refers to attraction to young boys. Used in similar contexts as ロリコン but for male children.
To refer to a paedophile indirectly, often to avoid direct accusation or in sensitive contexts.
Literally 'a person who lays hands on children'. A euphemistic way to refer to someone who sexually abuses children.
彼は子どもに手を出す人だと聞いた。
I heard he's someone who messes with kids.
Literally 'a person who likes young children'. Can be used euphemistically, but context is crucial as it can also be innocent.
This phrase can be misinterpreted as a simple preference for children's company. Use only when the context clearly implies a sexual attraction.
あの先生、幼い子が好きな人らしいよ。気をつけて。
That teacher seems to be someone who likes little kids. Be careful.
In Japanese, directly calling someone a 小児性愛者 in casual conversation can sound overly clinical or confrontational. Use context-appropriate terms like ロリコン (if referring to attraction to girls) or euphemistic phrases unless in a formal setting.
ロリコン is used for attraction to young girls, while ショタコン is for young boys. Both are slang and can refer to fictional preferences as well as real-life attractions. They are not always synonymous with 'paedophile' in the clinical sense, as they may include attraction to post-pubescent but underage characters.
彼はショタコン向けの漫画を描いている。
He draws manga aimed at shotacon fans.