How to say "indecent" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 下品げひんna-adjective, nounCovers 'indecent' in the sense of vulgar or crude — coarse jokes, language, or behavior that lack refinement. The word to reach for when the emphasis is on bad taste.
- 見苦しいみぐるしいi-adjectiveCovers 'indecent' as unseemly: conduct or a scene that is unpleasant or embarrassing to watch, such as an ugly quarrel. Less about vulgarity than about being hard to look at.
- i-adjectiveCovers 'indecent' as improper or disgraceful in appearance or behavior — something that makes the person look bad. Often said of unseemly dress, posture, or public conduct.人前でああいうみっともないことはするな。↗Don't do such a shameful thing in public.
- 不謹慎ふきんしんna-adjective, nounCovers 'indecent' only as immodest or lacking tact — remarks that treat serious matters lightly. For sexual indecency this is not the word; it is really about indiscretion.
- na-adjective, nounCovers 'indecent' in the sexual sense: lewd or dirty talk, jokes, or content. This is the word for risqué, sexual indecency, not for crude taste or unseemly conduct.
For sexual lewdness use 「エッチ」; for vulgar, crude taste or behavior 下品; for unseemly, embarrassing appearance or conduct 「見苦しい」 or 「みっともない」; for tactless, immodest remarks about serious matters 不謹慎.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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