Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'paid dating' is most commonly associated with 'enjo kōsai' (compensated dating), but there are other terms depending on the context, such as escort services or sugar dating. The most natural way to refer to this depends on the nature of the arrangement.
Refers to the practice where young women, often high school girls, go on dates with older men in exchange for money or gifts. This is the most common association with 'paid dating' in Japan.
Literally 'assistance dating', this is the standard term for compensated dating, often abbreviated as 'enjo kōsai'. It specifically refers to the practice where schoolgirls date older men for money.
援助交際は社会問題になっている。
Compensated dating has become a social issue.
Abbreviation of 'enjo kōsai', commonly used in casual conversation and media.
援交は違法じゃないの？
Isn't compensated dating illegal?
Refers to a relationship where one person provides financial support or gifts in exchange for companionship or intimacy, often between adults. This is similar to 'sugar daddy' arrangements.
A modern term meaning 'sugar daddy activities', where women date older men for money or gifts. It is widely used in media and online.
彼女はパパ活で生活している。
She makes a living through sugar dating.
Direct loanword for 'sugar date', used in the context of sugar dating.
シュガーデートのアプリが増えている。
Sugar dating apps are increasing.
Refers to paid companionship that may include sexual services, often arranged through agencies or online.
Often abbreviated as 'deriheru', this refers to out-call escort services where a woman visits the client's location.
デリバリーヘルスの仕事をしている。
I work for a delivery health service.
Loanword for 'escort', used for paid companionship services.
Refers to paying for someone's time on a date, without necessarily implying sexual activity. This can include rental girlfriend/boyfriend services.
Rental girlfriend service, where you pay for a date-like experience.
レンタル彼女を頼んでみた。
I tried hiring a rental girlfriend.
Literally 'pay for the date', used when one person covers all expenses for the date.
いつも彼がデート代を払ってくれる。
He always pays for our dates.
The direct translation '有料デート' (yūryō dēto) is not commonly used and may sound unnatural. Use context-appropriate terms like 援助交際 or パパ活 instead.
援助交際 (enjo kōsai) typically implies involvement of minors and is heavily stigmatized, while パパ活 (papa katsu) usually refers to adult women engaging in sugar dating. Be aware of the legal and social implications.
エスコートサービスを利用した。
I used an escort service.