Translation guide
A man who pursues romantic or sexual relationships with many women, often without serious commitment. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various terms ranging from playful to derogatory, with nuances of wealth, charm, or irresponsibility.
To refer to a man who dates or sleeps with many women, often in a lighthearted or casual way.
Literally 'play person'. A common, relatively neutral term for a man who enjoys casual relationships and nightlife. Can imply a lack of seriousness.
彼は昔から遊び人で、真面目に付き合ったことがない。
He's always been a playboy and has never been in a serious relationship.
Literally 'woman deceiver/seducer'. A more negative term implying manipulation or insincerity. Often used critically.
あの男は女たらしで、何人もの女性を泣かせてきた。
That guy is a playboy who has made many women cry.
Loanword from English. Often carries the image of a stylish, wealthy man who enjoys luxury and multiple partners. Can be neutral or admiring.
彼は高級車を乗り回すプレイボーイだ。
He's a playboy who drives around in a luxury car.
Literally 'color man'. An old-fashioned or literary term for a handsome, charming womanizer. Can be used playfully.
彼は村一番の色男として知られていた。
He was known as the village's biggest playboy.
To emphasize the luxurious lifestyle and social status often associated with a playboy.
Literally 'dissolute son'. Refers to a rich man's son who spends his time and money on pleasure, including women. Implies irresponsibility.
社長の息子は道楽息子で、仕事を手伝わずに遊んでばかりいる。
The company president's son is a playboy who does nothing but have fun instead of helping with the business.
Originally 'son of a noble family', now often used for a wealthy, privileged young man. Can imply a playboy lifestyle if context suggests it.
To describe a man who betrays a partner by seeing other women, often with a negative moral judgment.
Literally 'unfaithful person'. Commonly used for a man who cheats on his partner. Strongly negative.
彼は浮気者だから、信じないほうがいいよ。
He's a playboy, so you shouldn't trust him.
Literally 'passionate man'. A more literary way to say a man who falls in love easily with many women. Can be euphemistic.
彼は多情な男で、次々に恋人が変わる。
He's a playboy who changes girlfriends one after another.
To describe a man who enjoys flirting and charming women without necessarily pursuing serious relationships or sex.
Originally 'soft faction', now refers to a man who is smooth with women, often approaching them on the street. Can be a noun or adjective.
彼は軟派な男で、いつも女の子に声をかけている。
He's a playboy who's always hitting on girls.
Slang for a flashy, flirtatious guy who is not serious. Often associated with a particular fashion style and partying.
あのチャラ男、また違う女の子と歩いてるよ。
That playboy is walking with a different girl again.
Do not directly translate 'playboy' as 遊び少年 (asobi shounen) or similar. Use established terms like 遊び人 or プレイボーイ.
遊び人 is more about a lifestyle of fun and casual dating, while 女たらし emphasizes deception and hurting women. Choose based on the degree of negativity.
彼は有名企業の御曹司で、週末はいつも高級クラブにいる。
He's the playboy son of a famous company and spends every weekend at upscale clubs.