Translation guide
Pederasty refers to a sexual relationship between an adult man and an adolescent boy. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific terms, often with historical or literary connotations. The most common term is 少年愛, but other words carry different nuances, such as formal, clinical, or classical references.
The general concept of sexual relationships between men and adolescent boys, often in a historical or literary context.
The most common and neutral term for pederasty, literally 'boy love'. It can refer to both the historical practice and the modern concept, though it may also be used in contexts of shota (young boy) genres.
In ancient Greece, pederasty was culturally accepted.
A historical term for male homosexuality, often including pederasty. It was used in pre-modern Japan, especially in samurai and Buddhist contexts. Can sound archaic or literary.
Nanshoku was widely practiced among samurai.
Direct loanword from English, used in academic or specialized discussions. Not commonly understood by general speakers.
This paper analyzes the history of pederasty.
A formal or clinical term for sexual attraction to adolescent boys, often used in psychological or legal contexts.
A more clinical term, literally 'boy sexual love'. It is used in psychology and criminology to describe the attraction, distinct from pedophilia (which targets prepubescent children).
Pederasty refers to a sexual preference for adolescent boys.
Loanword from English 'ephebophilia', the clinical term for attraction to adolescents. Used in specialized medical or psychological contexts.
Ephebophilia is not classified in the DSM.
Specifically referring to the ancient Greek practice of pederasty as a social institution.
The standard way to refer to Greek pederasty, combining 'Greek' with 'boy love'. Clear and specific.
Greek pederasty frequently appears in Plato's works.
More explicitly 'ancient Greek pederasty', useful for historical discussions.
In English, 'pederasty' specifically refers to relationships with adolescent boys, not prepubescent children. In Japanese, 少年愛 can sometimes be used broadly, but to be precise, use 少年性愛 for clinical contexts. The term ペドフィリア (pedophilia) is distinct and refers to attraction to prepubescent children.
Pederasty is a different concept from pedophilia.
少年愛 is the modern, neutral term and can be used in various contexts, including historical and contemporary. 男色 is a historical term from the Edo period and earlier, often associated with samurai culture and Buddhist monasteries. It may carry a more literary or archaic tone. For general use, 少年愛 is preferred.
Ancient Greek pederasty was considered part of education.