Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'sexual experience' is often expressed through specific terms that distinguish between general sexual activity, first-time experiences, and the state of being sexually active. Direct translations exist but are less common in casual conversation, where euphemisms or indirect phrasing are preferred.
Referring to having had sexual intercourse or being sexually active in general.
The most direct and neutral term for 'sexual experience'. Used in formal or clinical contexts, but can sound stiff in casual conversation.
性経験はありますか？
Do you have sexual experience?
Literally 'to have experience'. In context, it implies sexual experience without explicitly stating it. Commonly used in casual conversation.
彼はまだ経験がないらしい。
Apparently he still doesn't have experience (sexually).
A very casual way to say 'have done it', using the verb やる (to do) as a euphemism for sex. Common among younger speakers.
やったことある？
Have you done it?
A more explicit phrase meaning 'sexual experience'. Used when clarity is needed, but can sound clinical.
性的な経験について話し合う。
Discuss sexual experiences.
Specifically referring to the first time someone has sexual intercourse.
Literally 'first experience', this is the standard term for losing one's virginity. Can be used in both casual and formal contexts.
初体験はいつでしたか？
When was your first time?
A softer, more indirect way to say 'first experience'. Often used in polite conversation.
初めての経験は緊張した。
I was nervous during my first experience.
A direct translation of 'lose one's virginity'. Understandable but not commonly used in natural Japanese; 初体験 is preferred.
This phrase is a literal translation and sounds unnatural. Use 初体験 instead.
彼はバージンを失った。
He lost his virginity.
Describing someone who has not had sexual experience.
Means 'inexperienced' and is commonly used to imply lack of sexual experience. Often used in dating contexts.
彼は未経験だ。
He is inexperienced (sexually).
Literally 'have no experience'. A straightforward way to say someone is a virgin without using the word 'virgin'.
まだ経験がないんです。
I still don't have experience.
Specifically refers to a male virgin. Can carry a slightly negative or teasing connotation.
Specifically refers to a female virgin. Can be clinical or literary; use with care as it may sound objectifying.
彼女は処女だと言った。
She said she is a virgin.
While 性経験 is a valid word, it is not used as casually as 'sexual experience' in English. In everyday conversation, Japanese speakers often use euphemisms like 経験 (experience) or やったこと (done it) to refer to sexual activity.
初体験 is the standard term for 'first sexual experience', while 初めての経験 is a softer, more general phrase that can refer to any first-time experience, but in context implies sexual debut. 初体験 is more direct and commonly understood.
彼はまだ童貞だ。
He is still a virgin.