Translation guide
A condition characterized by atypical sexual interests. In Japanese, the term is often expressed using clinical or psychological vocabulary, with varying degrees of formality.
To refer to paraphilia in a formal, medical, or academic context.
To talk about atypical sexual interests in everyday conversation, often with a negative or sensational connotation.
Directly translating 'paraphilia' as パラフィリア may not be understood outside of specialized contexts. Use 性的倒錯 for clinical accuracy or 変態性欲 for colloquial speech, but be aware of the negative connotations of the latter.
性的倒錯 is the standard medical term and is neutral in tone. 変態性欲 is more common in everyday language but implies moral judgment. Choose based on context and audience.
Standard clinical term for paraphilia or sexual perversion. Used in psychology and psychiatry.
性的倒錯は精神医学の分野で研究されている。
Paraphilias are studied in the field of psychiatry.
Direct loanword from English, used in academic or clinical settings. Less common than 性的倒錯 but understood by specialists.
パラフィリアの診断基準はDSMに記載されている。
The diagnostic criteria for paraphilia are listed in the DSM.
Literally 'abnormal sexual preference'. Sometimes used in medical contexts, but less common than 性的倒錯.
性嗜好異常の治療には認知行動療法が用いられることがある。
Cognitive behavioral therapy is sometimes used to treat paraphilias.
Common term for 'abnormal sexual desire' or 'perversion'. Can be used colloquially, but may carry a judgmental tone.
Can be derogatory; use with care.
彼は変態性欲の持ち主だと言われている。
He is said to have perverted sexual desires.
A more descriptive phrase meaning 'abnormality of sexual preference'. Less clinical than 性的倒錯 but more neutral than 変態性欲.
性的嗜好の異常は多様な形で現れる。
Abnormalities in sexual preference manifest in various forms.
Literally 'abnormal sexual desire'. Used in some psychological contexts but can sound dated or sensational.
異常性欲は犯罪につながることもある。
Abnormal sexual desires can sometimes lead to crimes.