Translation guide
This entry covers how to refer to a pedophile or the concept of pedophilia in Japanese. It includes clinical, legal, and colloquial terms, as well as strategies for discussing the topic sensitively.
To refer to a pedophile in a clinical, psychological, or formal context.
The standard clinical term for a pedophile. It is neutral and used in medical or legal settings.
彼は小児性愛者として治療を受けている。
He is receiving treatment as a pedophile.
A slightly less common variant, also meaning pedophile. It may be used in similar contexts but is less frequent.
小児愛者の心理プロファイルが研究されている。
The psychological profile of pedophiles is being studied.
To refer to a pedophile in everyday conversation, often with a focus on attraction to young girls or boys. These terms can be derogatory or used in media.
Abbreviation of 'Lolita complex'. Refers to someone attracted to young or underage girls. Commonly used in casual speech and media, but 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 pedophile (attracted to young girls).
Abbreviation of 'Shotaro complex'. Refers to someone attracted to young or underage boys. Similar usage to ロリコン but for boys.
Shortened from 'pedophile'. Used in online slang or derogatory contexts. Not recommended for polite conversation.
ネットでペドを批判する書き込みが増えている。
Online posts criticizing pedos are increasing.
To refer to a pedophile in the context of criminal acts, especially child sexual abuse.
Literally 'child sex offender'. Used in legal and news contexts to describe someone who has committed sexual crimes against children.
その児童性犯罪者は厳しい刑を受けた。
The child sex offender received a severe sentence.
Specifically refers to someone attracted to very young children (infants/toddlers). More specific than 小児性愛者.
幼児性愛者は特に幼い子供を対象とする。
Pedophiles (infantophiles) target very young children.
To talk about pedophilia as a condition or disorder, rather than the person.
The noun for 'pedophilia'. Used in clinical or descriptive contexts.
小児性愛は精神障害の一つに分類される。
Pedophilia is classified as a mental disorder.
Loanword from English 'pedophilia'. Used in academic or medical contexts, but less common than 小児性愛.
When discussing someone who may be a pedophile, directly using terms like ロリコン or 小児性愛者 can be highly offensive or accusatory. In many situations, it's better to describe the behavior or use legal terms like 児童性的虐待 (child sexual abuse) rather than labeling the person.
彼は児童に対する性的虐待で逮捕された。
He was arrested for sexual abuse of a child.
ロリコン specifically implies attraction to young girls, while ショタコン implies attraction to young boys. Neither term is clinical; they originate from manga/anime subcultures and can trivialize the issue. Use with caution.
In polite conversation, Japanese speakers may use vague expressions like 子どもに手を出す (to lay hands on a child) or 未成年者への性的興味 (sexual interest in minors) to avoid direct, harsh terms.
彼はショタコン向けの漫画を描いている。
He draws manga aimed at shotacon (pedophiles attracted to young boys).
ペドフィリアの診断基準はDSMに記載されている。
The diagnostic criteria for pedophilia are listed in the DSM.