痴漢
Meanings
1
molester; groper; pervert
Refers to a person who commits sexual harassment or assault, especially in public places like trains. Strongly negative and often used in legal/crime contexts.
Groping is a crime.
I was molested on the train.
2
archaic
Archaic meaning; not used in modern Japanese. The word now exclusively means 'molester'.
In old language, '痴漢' referred to a fool.
Usage patterns
- 痴漢に遭うto be groped/molested (by a stranger)
I was groped on the train.
- 痴漢をするto commit an act of molestation/groping
He was arrested for groping someone on the train.
- 痴漢で逮捕されるto be arrested for molestation
The man was arrested for molestation.
- 〈人〉に痴漢されるto be molested/groped by someone
I was groped by a stranger.