放蕩(ほうとう)

ほうとう
noun, na-adjective, suru verb
debauchery, dissipation, profligacy
1. debauchery, dissipation, profligacy
A lifestyle of excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures, particularly drinking, gambling, and womanizing, often while squandering money. Implies moral corruption and neglect of responsibilities.
放蕩(ほうとう)な生活(せいかつ)を送(おく)る。
To lead a dissolute life.
放蕩(ほうとう)息子(むすこ)が家(いえ)に戻(もど)ってきた。
The prodigal son returned home.
若(わか)い頃(ころ)の放蕩(ほうとう)を反省(はんせい)している。
I regret the dissipation of my youth.
財産(ざいさん)を放蕩(ほうとう)に費(つい)やした。
He squandered his fortune on debauchery.

放蕩(ほうとう) describes a lifestyle of indulgent excess and moral laxity, traditionally associated with the vices of drinking, gambling, and womanizing.

Usage:

  • 放蕩(ほうとう)する (to live dissolutely)
  • 放蕩(ほうとう)な + noun (dissolute, debauched)
  • 放蕩(ほうとう)三昧(ざんまい) (life of debauchery)

Key term:

  • 放蕩(ほうとう)息子(むすこ) (prodigal son - from the biblical parable)

Characteristics:

  • Strong negative moral judgment
  • Literary/formal word
  • Often used in historical or literary contexts

Related words:

  • 道楽(どうらく): hobby; dissipation
  • 遊蕩(ゆうとう): debauchery
  • 浪費(ろうひ): extravagance, waste
  • 享楽(きょうらく): pleasure-seeking
general
Added 2026.2.2 0:20 · Revised 2026.2.19 21:32
09000/09468_houtou