Translation guide
The practice of engaging in sexual activity for payment. In Japanese, the most common and neutral term is 売春, but legal and euphemistic terms exist depending on context.
To refer to the act or business of selling sexual services in a neutral or formal way.
The standard, neutral term for prostitution. Can be used in legal, social, or general contexts.
Prostitution is illegal in many countries.
She made a living through prostitution.
Literally 'act of prostitution', used in legal or formal descriptions.
The act of prostitution is prohibited by law.
To refer to prostitution in a less direct or more socially acceptable way, often used in media or conversation.
To refer to prostitution within a legal framework, such as in countries where it is regulated.
Regulated or legalized prostitution, often used in discussions of policy.
In some countries, regulated prostitution is permitted.
To refer to a prostitute or sex worker.
Literally 'prostitute woman'. The standard term for a female prostitute, though it can be direct and somewhat clinical.
She was arrested as a prostitute.
A more literary or old-fashioned term for a prostitute, often with a nuance of a courtesan or high-class prostitute.
A woman working in the sex industry (風俗). Common euphemism for a sex worker.
A male prostitute. Less common and often used in specific contexts.
While 売春 is the direct translation, in many everyday conversations, Japanese speakers may use euphemisms like 風俗 or 水商売 to avoid being too blunt. Using 売春 directly can sound clinical or legal.
売春 specifically means prostitution (exchange of sex for money), while 風俗 is a broader term for the sex entertainment industry, which may not always involve direct sexual intercourse due to legal loopholes.
Literally 'water trade', refers to nightlife entertainment businesses including hostess clubs, bars, and sometimes prostitution. Not exclusively prostitution.
She works in the nightlife business.
Often abbreviated as 援交. Refers to 'compensated dating', typically involving teenage girls and older men. A specific form of prostitution.
Compensated dating has become a social issue.
The protagonist of that novel was a courtesan.
She works as a sex worker.
彼は男娼として生計を立てていた。
He made a living as a male prostitute.