How to say "sexual" in Japanese

• 性的せいてきCommon
  na-adjectiveThe word for 'sexual' meaning relating to biological sex: use it when describing harassment, violence, relationships, or attraction as sexual. It denotes the connection with sex rather than bodily desire or sensuality.
  彼女かのじょは科学かがくにおける性的せいてき偏見へんけんについて書かいた。↗

  She wrote on gender bias in science.
• 肉体的にくたいてきCommon
  na-adjectiveReally means 'of the flesh' — bodily; its 'sexual' reading is the carnal, sensual one, about bodily desire or pleasure. For plain 'sexual' meaning relating to sex, this is seldom the word you want.

Choose 性的 when 'sexual' simply means relating to sex; 肉体的 fits only the carnal, bodily sense of desire or appetite, since its core meaning is physical, of the flesh.

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

• 性的せいてきsexual (i.e. relating to biological sex)
• セクシャルsexual
• 有性ゆうせいsexual
• 肉体的にくたいてきsexual