Translation guide
The English word 'sexy' can describe physical attractiveness, a sexually appealing quality, or something exciting and desirable. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent. The loanword セクシー is common but often narrower in meaning. This guide covers natural ways to express the concept depending on context.
Describing a person who is sexually appealing or has a sensual allure.
The loanword from English. Widely understood, but can sound direct or slightly artificial. Often used for celebrities or fashion.
彼はとてもセクシーだと思う。
I think he is very sexy.
Describes someone with a mature, sensual charm. More nuanced and natural than セクシー. Often used for women.
あの女優は本当に色っぽい。
That actress is really sexy.
A literary word meaning bewitching or voluptuous beauty. Often used for femme fatale types.
彼女の妖艶な魅力に誰もが惹かれた。
Everyone was drawn to her sexy, bewitching charm.
Literal translation: 'sexually attractive'. Very direct and clinical. Rarely used in casual conversation.
彼は性的に魅力的だ。
He is sexually attractive.
Describing outfits, poses, or looks that are revealing or provocative.
Commonly used for clothing, lingerie, etc. Natural in fashion contexts.
この下着、セクシーでしょ？
This lingerie is sexy, isn't it?
Works for clothing and appearance, implying a mature, alluring quality.
Means 'high degree of exposure'. Describes revealing clothes, not necessarily 'sexy' in a positive sense.
彼女の服は露出度が高かった。
Her outfit was very revealing.
Means 'sensational' or 'provocative'. Often used for photos or poses that are sexually suggestive.
Describing things like cars, gadgets, ideas, or jobs that are attractive in a cool, exciting way.
General word for 'attractive' or 'appealing'. Safe for non-sexual contexts.
その仕事のオファーはとても魅力的だ。
That job offer is very sexy/appealing.
Means 'cool' or 'stylish'. Often used for cars, designs, etc. that have a sexy appeal.
Sometimes used metaphorically for non-sexual things, but can sound odd if overused. Common in marketing.
Using セクシー for non-human objects can sound like a direct translation from English. Use with care.
Slang meaning 'tempting' or 'arousing interest'. Can be used for food, gadgets, etc.
While セクシー is common, it can sound blunt or overly direct. For describing people, 色っぽい is often more natural. For non-sexual appeal, use 魅力的 or かっこいい.
色っぽい implies a mature, subtle allure, while セクシー is more overt and Western-influenced. 色っぽい is often preferred in Japanese for describing a person's sensual charm.
そのドレス、すごく色っぽいね。
That dress is really sexy.
The poster was provocative/sexy.
この車、めっちゃかっこいい！
This car is super sexy!
This smartphone's design is sexy.
This new game is so sexy/tempting.