Hentai glossary
67 termsplain-language definitionsAhegao to Zettai Ryouiki
About this glossary
Definitions explain how a term is commonly used in hentai; they are not legal, medical, identity, or consent advice. Browsable categories live in the tag directory, while this reference covers the remaining terminology and shows each review date. See the editorial policy or report a correction.
A
4 termsAge Progression / Regression
A fantasy trope where a character magically and rapidly ages up (progression) or down (regression).
Anime
A style of Japanese film and television animation, typically aimed at adults as well as children.
Ara Ara
A Japanese phrase translating to "Oh my" or "My, my." It is famously used by older, seductive female characters.
Armpit
A fetish focusing on a character's armpits, often involving licking, smelling, or other forms of stimulation.
B
1 termC
4 termsCheating
A direct synonym for infidelity, serving as the core component of the "NTR (Netorare)" genre.
Chikan
A Japanese term for a groper or molester, typically in a public setting like a crowded train.
Corruption
A narrative where a pure or innocent character is gradually turned evil, lewd, or depraved through seduction or trauma.
Cumshot
A general term for any visible ejaculation scene, including a facial, creampie, or boob job.
D
5 termsDandere
A character who is extremely quiet, shy, and antisocial, but becomes more talkative and sweet around their love interest.
Deepthroat
A variation of a "Blow Job" where the penis is taken into the throat, past the oral cavity.
Deredere
A character who is completely cheerful, kind, and energetic. They are openly loving and sweet to everyone.
Double Penetration
The act of being simultaneously penetrated in two orifices, typically the vagina and anus.
Doujinshi
Self-published works, typically manga, fanfiction, or art books. In the hentai world, it usually refers to fan-made pornographic comics.
E
3 termsEcchi
Derived from the letter "H" in hentai, but refers to playful, non-explicit sexual content. Think "lewd" or "pervy," but not pornographic.
Elf
A popular fantasy race characterized by long, pointed ears, beauty, and often a connection to nature or magic.
Exhibitionism
A fetish involving the act of exposing oneself or performing sexual acts in public to be seen by others.
F
3 termsFemdom
Short for "Female Dominance," a subcategory of BDSM where a woman takes the dominant role over a submissive partner.
Fingering
The act of using fingers to stimulate the vagina or clitoris. A fundamental act in lesbian and heterosexual hentai.
Forced
A tag that acts as a slightly softer synonym for "Rape," implying coercion or lack of enthusiastic consent.
G
3 termsGender Bender
A genre where a character's gender is switched, either through magic, technology, or other means.
Guro
An extreme genre focusing on gore, mutilation, and graphic violence, often in an erotic context. Also known as "ero-guro."
Gyaru
A Japanese fashion subculture characterized by tanned skin, bleached hair, heavy makeup, and decorated nails.
H
3 termsHentai
A Japanese word meaning "pervert" or "abnormal." In the West, it is used as a catch-all term for pornographic anime and manga.
Humiliation
A BDSM practice focused on psychological degradation, embarrassment, and debasement for erotic pleasure.
Hypnosis
A common method used in "Mind Control" hentai, where a character is put into a trance and made to obey commands.
I
2 termsJ
1 termK
2 termsL
1 termM
4 termsMagic
A fantasy-story device involving supernatural powers, spells, transformations, or enchanted settings.
Manga
Japanese comics or graphic novels. The source material for many anime and hentai adaptations.
Moe
A Japanese slang term referring to a powerful feeling of affection or protectiveness towards a cute fictional character.
Monster Girl / Musume
A genre featuring female characters who are part monster, but are typically cute or attractive rather than grotesque.
N
2 termsO
6 termsONA
Original Net Animation. Anime released directly for internet streaming.
Onee-san
The Japanese word for "big sister." A character archetype often portrayed as caring, mature, or seductive.
Oni
Japanese demons or ogres, typically portrayed with horns, sharp claws, and immense strength.
Orc
A brutish, muscular, and often green-skinned fantasy race, typically depicted as aggressive and sexually dominant.
Osananajimi
The Japanese term for a "childhood friend." A staple character archetype in romance and harem anime.
OVA / OAV
Original Video Animation. Anime released directly to home video (like Blu-ray) without prior TV broadcast.
P
4 termsPaizuri
The Japanese term for "boob job," a sexual act involving stimulation with the breasts.
Panty Shot
A brief, often accidental, glimpse of a female character's panties. A staple of "Ecchi" content.
Parody
Hentai that features characters from existing, well-known, non-pornographic anime, manga, or video games.
Pegging
The act of a female anally penetrating a male using a strap-on dildo.
R
2 termsS
11 termsSakuga
A term used by anime fans to refer to moments in an episode with exceptionally fluid, high-quality animation.
Seinen
A demographic term for media targeted at adult men. Seinen series often have more mature, complex, and darker themes.
Sensei
The Japanese word for "teacher" or "master." A common character archetype in school settings.
Shibari / Kinbaku
The Japanese art of intricate, aesthetic rope bondage. A highly stylized form of the "Bondage" genre.
Shoujo
A demographic term for media targeted at young girls (approx. 12-18), focusing on romance and relationships.
Shounen
A demographic term for media targeted at young boys (approx. 12-18). Not a hentai genre, but its tropes are often parodied.
Shy
A character trait for those who are timid, easily embarrassed, and hesitant in social or sexual situations.
Slice of Life
A genre that depicts the everyday, mundane lives of its characters, focusing on realism and relationships.
Small Boobs / Pettan
A tag for female characters with small or flat chests, often affectionately or teasingly called "pettan" in Japanese.
Spanking
The act of striking the buttocks for punishment or sexual pleasure. A common element in BDSM.
Succubus
A female demon or supernatural entity who seduces men to drain their life force through sexual activity.
T
3 termsThighs / Zettai Ryouiki
A fetish focusing on a character's thighs, especially the area of exposed skin between thigh-high socks and a skirt.
Tomboy
A female character who exhibits masculine traits, such as a short haircut, boyish clothes, and an assertive personality.
Tribadism
Also known as "scissoring," a lesbian sexual act where two women rub their vulvas together for mutual stimulation.