Translation guide
A paramour is a lover, especially one in a secret or illicit relationship. In Japanese, the most common and natural way to express this depends on the nuance: a secret lover, a mistress, or a lover in an affair. Direct translations like 情夫 or 情婦 are literary and rarely used in everyday speech.
To refer to a lover in a secret or socially disapproved relationship, often implying infidelity.
The most common and neutral term for a lover in an extramarital or secret relationship. Can be used for both men and women, though it often implies a mistress. Widely understood and used in news and daily conversation.
He has had a paramour for many years.
To meet secretly with one's paramour.
Specifically means 'affair partner,' emphasizing the illicit nature of the relationship. Commonly used when talking about infidelity in marriage.
To go on a trip with one's paramour.
Literally 'hidden lover.' A more colloquial and descriptive way to say secret lover, without the heavy connotation of an affair. Can be used in lighter contexts.
It seems she has a secret paramour.
A literary or formal term for a mistress or female paramour. Rarely used in modern conversation; appears in novels or historical contexts.
He keeps a mistress.
A literary or formal term for a male paramour. Even rarer than 情婦; mostly found in classical literature.
She eloped with her paramour.
To refer to a woman who is a paramour, often maintained financially by a man.
A colloquial and slightly dated term for a mistress, literally 'number two.' Implies a kept woman. Still understood but less common today.
He bought a house for his paramour.
Historical term for a concubine or mistress. Not used in modern contexts except in historical dramas or literature.
Words like 情夫 and 情婦 are direct dictionary translations but sound unnatural in everyday Japanese. Use 愛人 or 不倫相手 for natural conversation.
The word 愛人 is often used in daily conversation.
愛人 is a broader term for a lover outside marriage, while 不倫相手 specifically emphasizes the affair aspect. In news reports about celebrity scandals, 不倫相手 is more common.
The paramour was a former colleague.
江戸時代には妾を持つことが許されていた。
In the Edo period, having a paramour was permitted.