Translation guide
Describing something as pornographic in Japanese depends on context and register. Common adjectives include わいせつな (obscene/indecent) and ポルノの (pornographic). For media, アダルト (adult) is widely used as a euphemism. Legal and formal contexts often use わいせつ, while casual speech may use エロい (erotic/sexy).
To say that a video, website, magazine, etc. is pornographic in a neutral or descriptive way.
Common euphemism for 'adult' content, used in everyday contexts like video sections or websites. Less direct than 'pornographic'.
This site contains adult content.
Directly means 'pornographic'. Used as a noun modifier. Slightly more explicit than アダルト.
Pornographic films are prohibited for those under 18.
Means 'obscene' or 'indecent'. Often used in legal contexts. Can sound formal or strong.
Sending obscene images is a crime.
Casual/slang term meaning 'erotic' or 'sexy'. Can imply pornographic but is less formal. Often used in conversation.
That manga is a bit erotic, isn't it.
To say that someone's actions or words are sexually explicit or indecent.
Used for behavior or speech that is legally or morally obscene. Strong word.
He shouted obscene words.
Similar to わいせつな, meaning 'lewd' or 'indecent'. Often used for jokes or gestures.
Please stop making lewd jokes.
Casual way to describe someone's sexy or suggestive behavior. Not as strong as 'obscene'.
To refer to something as pornographic in a legal, official, or academic setting.
アダルト is a soft euphemism for adult content, common in everyday contexts like video stores. ポルノ is more direct and explicit. わいせつ is a legal/formal term for obscenity and carries a strong negative connotation.
The English word 'pornographic' is often too direct for casual Japanese. Use アダルト or エロい in informal settings unless you need to be explicit.
あの人のダンス、エロすぎる。
That person's dancing is too erotic.
Loanword for 'pornography'. Used in academic or formal discussions.
Discuss the regulation of pornography.