Translation guide
The state of never having had sexual intercourse. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific terms and phrases, with important distinctions between male and female virginity, and formal versus casual usage.
The state of a woman who has never had sexual intercourse.
The most common and direct term for female virginity. Can refer to both the state and the person. Used in medical, formal, and everyday contexts.
彼女はまだ処女だ。
She is still a virgin.
to lose one's virginity (female)
Loanword from English, used casually, often by younger people. Can apply to both genders but more commonly for women.
I heard she's still a virgin.
Literally 'raw girl', an old-fashioned or literary term for a virgin girl, emphasizing innocence and purity. Rare in modern conversation.
She is still practically a virgin.
The state of a man who has never had sexual intercourse.
The standard term for male virginity. Often used in discussions about sexual experience. Can be a sensitive topic.
He is still a virgin at 30.
Can be used for men, but less common than 童貞. Often used jokingly or in casual speech.
Literally 'inexperienced', a euphemistic way to refer to virginity without explicitly saying it. Can be used for both genders.
The act of having sexual intercourse for the first time.
The most common and neutral way to say 'lose one's virginity' for both genders. Literally 'to have one's first experience'.
He lost his virginity at 20.
Specifically for females. Direct translation of 'lose one's virginity'. Somewhat formal or literary.
She lost her virginity at 17.
Specifically for males. Literally 'throw away virginity'. Colloquial and somewhat crude.
He finally lost his virginity.
A softer, more euphemistic way to say 'have one's first experience'. Can be used for both genders.
Referring to the abstract idea of virginity, often in discussions about purity, morality, or social expectations.
Means 'purity' or 'chastity', often used in moral or religious contexts. Can refer to virginity as a virtue.
Refers to chastity or virtue, often with a traditional or old-fashioned nuance. More commonly used for women.
A direct loanword phrase meaning 'the state of being a virgin'. Casual and modern.
You don't need to worry about being a virgin.
Japanese clearly distinguishes between male and female virginity. Using 処女 for a man or 童貞 for a woman is incorrect and can cause confusion or offense. When in doubt, use neutral phrases like 初体験 or 未経験.
Direct terms like 処女 and 童貞 are common in casual conversation but can be blunt. In polite or sensitive contexts, euphemisms like 初めての経験 or 未経験 are preferred. The loanword バージン is casual and may sound flippant in serious discussions.
In Japan, discussions about virginity can be more private than in some Western cultures. While terms exist, openly asking about someone's virginity is generally considered rude. Use indirect language unless you are close to the person.
to lose one's virginity (male, lit. 'graduate from virginity')
彼、まだバージンらしいよ。
He's apparently still a virgin.
彼はまだ未経験だ。
He is still inexperienced (a virgin).
She had her first experience after entering university.
貞操を重んじる
to value one's chastity