Manko and Chinko – Social Taboos of Japan

There are two words that are practically taboo to say in public in Japan. Never, under any circumstances, say these two words in any social occasion. The two forbidden words in question are マンコ (manko) and チンコ (chinko).

In clear Portuguese, they mean “pussy” and “dick”, respectively. Saying the names of genitals out loud, especially the female one, is one of the most serious blunders in public. Instead, a Japanese person will refer to the lower regions by saying “あそこ” (asoko), which means “there” and is generally understood.

This taboo is so strong that a Japanese artist was arrested on obscenity charges for selling and distributing design files to make 3D printed models of her vulva.

She was informed that she was not allowed to use the word “manko.” This brings a point of caution: with a preponderance of female Japanese names ending in “ko”, new Japanese speakers should be careful to avoid a slip of the tongue. Be careful not to accidentally ask “Did you see manko?” or “Did you see chinko?” This will not end well.

The Meaning of Manko in Japanese

“Manko” (まんこ) is a Japanese word that is considered a vulgar term for female genitalia. It is slang and, as such, can be offensive or inappropriate in many situations. In respectful or formal conversations, it is advisable to use medical or more neutral terms to refer to female genitalia.

Some related words are:

1. 女性器 (joseiki) – Female organ, a more neutral and polite term.
2. 女性の生殖器 (josei no seishokuki) – Female genitalia, a medical and formal expression.
3. おまんこ (omanko) – A slightly softer version of “manko,” with the honorific prefix “o” (お), but can still be considered vulgar or inappropriate in some contexts.
4. 肉襞 (nikuhida) – Literally means folds of flesh, it is vulgar slang.
5. 肉壷 (nikutsubo) – Literally means meat pot, another vulgar slang.

The Meaning of Chinko in Japanese

Chinko” (ちんこ) is a colloquial Japanese word used to refer to the male genital organ. It is slang and, therefore, can be considered rude, offensive, or inappropriate in many contexts.

The word “chinko” is derived from the Japanese word “chin” (ちん), which can be a contraction of “chinchin” (ちんちん), another slang for the male genital organ, and “ko” (こ), a particle used in some cases as a suffix for nouns. The exact origin of the word “chinko” is uncertain, but it is believed to be an informal and vulgar term that developed over time in colloquial Japanese.

1. 男性の生殖器 (dansei no seishokuki) – Male genitalia, a medical and formal expression.
2. 陰茎 (inkei) – Penis, a medical and more neutral term.
3. ちんちん (chinchin) – A colloquial slang, less vulgar than “chinko,” but can still be considered inappropriate in some contexts.
4. おちんちん (ochinchin) – A softer version of “chinchin,” with the honorific prefix “o” (お) added. It is still slang and can be inappropriate in certain situations.

Vulgarity is one of the taboos but also a paradox

The irony of it all is that Japan is a socially conservative country. Up to that point, Neves died. However, at the same time, Japan is the country that exports the most pornography abroad. Access to pornography in Japan is easy, but very, very easy. At any newsstand in Japan, you can find pornographic magazines or manga of the hentai genre.

Paradoxically, you cannot utter obscene words in public. However, the consumption of pornography is very common among both the young and the old. Not to mention the reputation of incestuous relationships in Japan.

Thus, vulgarity, something that is considered a taboo in Japanese society, is also a “consumer good,” so to speak. However, despite the contradictory attitudes, uttering manko or chinko in a social situation is frowned upon. The Japanese do not have the habit of saying 4 swear words for every 10 words they speak, unlike us.