How to say "degenerate" in Japanese

• 退廃的たいはいてきCommon
  na-adjectiveThis is the word for the general sense: morally or culturally degenerate, decadent, or corrupt, as in commentary on art, society, or lifestyles seen as declining.
• 生臭いなまぐさいJLPT N1approx.Common
  i-adjectiveOnly fits 'degenerate' of a monk — one who is depraved, corrupt, or fallen. Outside that religious context it is not the word for 'degenerate'; literally it describes a fishy smell.

Use 退廃的 for the general sense of morally or culturally degenerate or decadent; use 「生臭い」 only when describing a monk who has become corrupt or fallen from the religious path.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 退廃的たいはいてきdegenerate
• 堕するだするto degenerate
• 変質者へんしつしゃdegenerate
• 堕すだすto degenerate
• 生臭いなまぐさいdegenerate (of a monk)