変態
hentai[hẽ̞nta̠i]
The Japanese phrase for "lewd person" is 変態 (hentai).
The term 変態 is used colloquially to describe someone with abnormal or perverted sexual tendencies.
What does it mean word for word?
変態 is composed of the characters for 'change' (変) and 'form' (態), literally meaning 'metamorphosis' or 'abnormal form'.
Which one should you use?
While 変態 is a common colloquialism for a pervert, the formal term 好色家 refers to someone who has a tendency to indulge in lewd or sexually suggestive behavior. Additionally, the slang term スケベ is used to refer to someone who is lecherous or lustful.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
変態 is an informal term. In casual conversation or anime contexts, calling someone hentai is a common way to call them a pervert, often in a way that is either insulting or playful. For a more formal way to describe someone prone to lewd behavior, use 好色家. The term スケベ is categorized as slang.
How do you pronounce it?
hentai
Did you know?
- The term 変態 was originally a scientific term used by the Entomological Society of Japan to describe the biological process of metamorphosis.
- While 変態 is a common insult, the more precise way to describe someone with abnormal sexual desires is the full phrase 変態性欲.
Examples in context
- 彼は猥褻な人です。He is a lewd person.
- あの男、スケベだよね。That guy is so lecherous, right?
- エッチなやつ、あんなんやわ。That guy is such a lewd person.
- 彼は変態だ。Kare wa hentai da.He is a pervert.
- 変態な発言はやめてください。Hentai na hatsugen wa yamete kudasai.Please stop making lewd remarks.
- あいつは本当に変態だ。Aitsu wa hontou ni hentai da.That guy is truly a pervert.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a strange person they saw at the park.
- 健太 Kentaさっきの人は変態だったよ。Sakki no hito wa hentai datta yo.That person just now was a pervert.
- 美咲 Misaki本当に？怖かったね。Hontou ni? Kowakatta ne.Really? That was scary.
- 健太 Kentaすごく変な動きをしていたんだ。Sugoku hen na ugoki o shite ita n da.He was making really strange movements.
- 美咲 Misaki災難だったね、健太君。Sainan datta ne, Kenta-kun.That was a bad experience, Kenta.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 変態, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 変態, CC BY-SA 4.0.
