Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 変態 | hentai | [hẽ̞nta̠i] (narrow) |
| 痴漢 | chikan | [t͡ɕikã̠ɴ] (narrow) |
| 性的倒錯者 | seitekitōsakusha |
In Japanese, the terms for 'pervert' vary significantly based on whether you are describing a specific criminal act or a general personality trait. 変態 is a broad term used for someone with deviant sexual preferences or a perverted personality. It is also used as a genre label for adult media. 痴漢 is a specific term for a person who commits sexual harassment or groping, particularly in public spaces like trains. Additionally, the slang term エッチ can mean 'sexy' or 'erotic' and it can also be used to refer to someone with perverted tendencies.
What does it mean word for word?
While used to mean 'pervert' in a sexual context, 変態 literally means 'metamorphosis' or 'transformation' as seen in biology.
Which one should you use?
Use 痴漢 specifically for a molester or groper in public settings. In contrast, 変態 is a broader term that refers to a person's abnormal or deviant personality and sexual preferences.
How do you pronounce it?
hentai
When do people say it?
In casual conversation, calling someone 変態 can range from a serious insult to playful teasing depending on your tone and your relationship with that person.
Did you know?
- In some niche internet subcultures, 痴漢 has been used to refer to 'Xbox fanboys'.
- Because of its biological roots, the word 変態 can appear in textbooks regarding botany or zoology without any sexual connotation whatsoever.
Examples in context
- そういうのって、愛情表現じゃなくて「変態」って言うんじゃないの？Isn't that more like something a pervert would say? Not someone expressing their love.This example shows how 変態 can be used to distinguish between an expression of love and perverted behavior.Tatoeba #1207285 by bunbuku, translation #10238948 by tsp_2
- 「トムどうしたの？」「メアリーに何カップ？って聞いたら変態って言われた」「当たり前だろ」"What happened, Tom?" "When I asked Mary what cup size she is, she called me a pervert." "What did you expect?"This example demonstrates using 変態 to describe someone's reaction to an inappropriate question.Tatoeba #3347368 by tommy_san, translation #3353704 by alester237
- 「お前、見かけによらず変態だな」「変態じゃないし。私は清純派の乙女よ」「はいはい、よく言うよ」"Despite appearances, you're a pervert." "I'm not a pervert. I'm a pure and innocent young girl." "Yeah, yeah, give me a break."This example illustrates someone being called a 変態 despite their claims of being innocent.Tatoeba #2719041 by tommy_san, translation #2729896 by WestofEden
- 彼は変態です。He is a pervert.
- あの人は変質者だな。That person is a pervert, huh?
Example conversation
Hiyori finds Yota looking at a strange adult magazine.
- 陽葵 Himariちょっと、何見てるの？変態！Chotto, nani miteru no? Hentai!Hey, what are you looking at? You pervert!
- 陽太 Yota変態じゃないよ。ただの好奇心だよ。Hentai janai yo. Tada no koukishin da yo.I'm not a pervert. It's just curiosity.
- 陽葵 Himari言い訳しないで。本当に変態だね。Iiwake shinaide. Hontou ni hentai da ne.Don't make excuses. You really are a pervert.
- 陽太 Yotaもう、ひどいなあ。Mou, hidoi naa.Geez, that's mean.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pervert” translations and entries 変態, 痴漢, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 変態, 痴漢, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
