Translation guide
Describes something suitable for any gender, such as clothing, names, or facilities. Japanese often uses loanwords or descriptive phrases rather than a single direct equivalent.
Describing items designed to be worn by any gender
The most common and direct loanword for 'unisex', especially for clothing, fashion, and accessories.
このブランドはユニセックスの服をたくさん出している。
This brand releases a lot of unisex clothing.
ユニセックスの香水を探しています。
I'm looking for a unisex perfume.
Literally 'for both men and women'. Used for items like bags, watches, or gear. Slightly more formal than ユニセックス.
このリュックは男女兼用です。
This backpack is unisex (for both men and women).
Explicitly states 'for both men's and women's use'. Often seen in product descriptions.
メンズ・レディース兼用の腕時計。
A unisex wristwatch (for both men and women).
Describing a restroom or facility that can be used by any gender
Standard term for a facility shared by men and women, especially restrooms, changing rooms, or baths.
このフロアには男女共用トイレがあります。
There is a unisex restroom on this floor.
男女共用の更衣室はあちらです。
The unisex changing room is over there.
A common loanword phrase for 'unisex restroom', often seen on signs.
ユニセックストイレはどこですか？
Where is the unisex restroom?
Literally 'anyone restroom'. A term used for accessible or all-gender restrooms, often in public facilities.
駅にだれでもトイレがあります。
There is a unisex/accessible restroom at the station.
Describing a name that can be used for any gender
A descriptive phrase meaning 'a name that can be used for either gender'. Natural and clear.
「あおい」は男女どちらにも使える名前です。
'Aoi' is a unisex name (a name that can be used for both boys and girls).
Uses the loanword ユニセックス with な to modify 名前. Common in casual conversation.
ユニセックスな名前を探しています。
I'm looking for a unisex name.
Means 'gender-neutral name'. 中性的 implies androgyny or neutrality. Used in discussions about gender.
最近、中性的な名前が人気です。
Gender-neutral names are popular lately.
Describing something as suitable for any gender in a broad sense
Means 'regardless of gender'. Used for policies, activities, or concepts. Formal and clear.
このイベントは性別を問わず参加できます。
This event is open to all genders (unisex participation).
Means 'common to both men and women'. Used for rules, designs, or features.
制服は男女共通のデザインです。
The uniform has a unisex design (common to both genders).
ユニセックス is the most common and versatile, especially for fashion. 男女兼用 emphasizes that an item is designed for both men and women to use (e.g., bags, watches). 男女共用 is used for shared facilities like restrooms or baths. Choose based on context.
ユニセックスのTシャツ
unisex T-shirt
男女兼用の腕時計
unisex wristwatch (designed for both)
男女共用トイレ
unisex restroom (shared facility)
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'unisex' in all contexts. Avoid trying to translate it as a standalone word; instead, use the appropriate phrase for the specific item or situation.