Translation guide
The English word "suggestive" has two main uses: describing something that hints at an idea indirectly, and describing something that implies sexual content. This guide covers both, with natural Japanese expressions for each.
Expressing that something evokes or implies an idea without stating it directly.
a suggestive remark · suggestive of a bygone era
His words were suggestive.
A common pattern meaning "reminiscent of" or "suggestive of." Attach to a noun to indicate that something evokes that thing.
The music is suggestive of summer.
Means "to make one associate with" or "to be suggestive of." Slightly more formal than 思わせる.
The shape is suggestive of a bird.
A verb meaning "to hint at" or "to suggest." Use when someone is subtly implying something.
He hinted at resigning.
Describing words, actions, or clothing that imply sexual content or are intended to arouse.
a suggestive wink · suggestive clothing
Commonly used for sexually suggestive behavior or remarks. Can also mean "lewd" or "dirty."
Please stop making suggestive jokes.
Loanword from English, widely used for sexually attractive or suggestive appearance, especially clothing.
Means "risqué" or "borderline." Used for jokes, comments, or clothing that are almost too suggestive.
Slang for "erotic" or "sexy." Very casual and direct.
Formal term meaning "sensational" or "provocative," often used in media contexts.
Do not use 暗示的 for sexually suggestive contexts. 暗示的 is only for indirect hints, not sexual innuendo. For sexual suggestiveness, use いやらしい, セクシー, or 際どい.
Both mean "suggestive of," but 思わせる is more subjective (it makes me think of...), while 連想させる is more about triggering a common association. 思わせる is slightly more common in everyday speech.
彼女はセクシーなドレスを着ていた。
She was wearing a suggestive dress.
彼の際どい発言に皆が驚いた。
Everyone was surprised by his suggestive remark.
その写真、ちょっとエロいね。
That photo is a bit suggestive, isn't it?
The advertisement was criticized for being suggestive.