Translation guide
The English word "virgin" has several distinct meanings. This guide helps learners express the concept of sexual inexperience, the metaphorical sense of being new to something, and the specific term "virginity" naturally in Japanese.
Describing a person who has never had sexual intercourse.
The most common and direct word for a female virgin. Can be used in neutral or formal contexts. Note that it specifically refers to females.
She is still a virgin.
The standard word for a male virgin. Often used in casual conversation among men. Can carry a slightly negative or teasing connotation depending on context.
Literally "inexperienced." A euphemistic and gender-neutral way to say someone is a virgin, often used in dating contexts or when being indirect.
Loanword from English. Used in casual conversation, often by younger people. Can sound slightly trendy or informal.
Literally "raw girl," an old-fashioned and somewhat literary term for a young female virgin. Rarely used in modern conversation.
Referring to the state of being a virgin.
The abstract noun for female virginity. Used in formal or academic contexts.
Describing someone who is doing something for the first time or is inexperienced in a particular area.
Attach to a noun to mean "first time doing X." This is the most natural way to express the metaphorical sense of "virgin" in Japanese.
Referring to a non-alcoholic version of a cocktail.
The standard term for a non-alcoholic cocktail. "Virgin" is not directly translated; instead, specify "non-alcoholic."
I'll have a virgin mojito.
Referring to Mary, the mother of Jesus.
処女 (shojo) is specifically for females, and 童貞 (doutei) for males. Using the wrong one can cause confusion or offense. For gender-neutral situations, use 未経験 (mikeiken) or rephrase with 初めて (hajimete).
When talking about being new to an activity, avoid directly translating "virgin" as 処女 or 童貞, as that sounds bizarre. Instead, use 初めて (hajimete) or 初心者 (shoshinsha). The loanword バージン is sometimes used metaphorically in casual speech, but it's safer to use the native expressions.
The phrase "lose one's virginity" is commonly expressed as 処女を失う (shojo o ushinau) for females and 童貞を卒業する (doutei o sotsugyō suru, literally "graduate from virginity") for males. The male version is a colloquial euphemism.
She's still a virgin.
彼は童貞を卒業した。
He lost his virginity.
私はまだ未経験です。
I'm still inexperienced (a virgin).
まだバージンなの？
Are you still a virgin?
彼女は生娘のように純真だ。
She is as innocent as a virgin.
Some cultures place importance on virginity.
The abstract noun for male virginity. Less common than 処女性 and mostly used in specific discussions.
Discussions about male virginity tend to be taboo.
A periphrastic way to say "virginity" (literally "the state of being a virgin") that works for females. Gender-neutral version: 未経験であること.
She is proud of being a virgin.
I'm a travel virgin. / This is my first trip abroad.
He's a skiing virgin.
Literally "inexperienced person." A formal or written way to refer to someone new to a field or activity.
Job opening welcoming inexperienced applicants (virgins to the field).
Means "beginner." While not a direct translation of "virgin," it conveys the idea of being new to something. Commonly used in hobbies and skills.
I'm a programming virgin (beginner).
Do you have a virgin piña colada?
The loanword "virgin" is sometimes used directly before the drink name, especially in bars familiar with English terms. Less common than ノンアルコール.
One virgin daiquiri, please.
Literally "Virgin Maria." Used in theological contexts to emphasize her virginity, but 聖母マリア is far more common.
The veneration of the Virgin Mary.
He lost his virginity.
This is my first time skiing. (I'm a skiing virgin.)