1.
the senses; sensory function
The bodily senses (sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch) and their capacity to perceive stimuli. Used in scientific and formal contexts to discuss sensory perception.
官能検査で味を評価する。
Evaluate the flavor through sensory testing.
人間の官能には限界がある。
Human sensory perception has its limits.
五つの官能を研ぎ澄ます。
To sharpen all five senses.
2.
sensuality; eroticism; carnal pleasure
Physical, sensual pleasure or the quality of being sexually arousing. The more common usage in everyday Japanese, appearing in literary criticism, film classification, and descriptions of art or literature.
官能小説を読む。
To read an erotic novel.
その映画は官能的な場面が多い。
That movie has many sensual scenes.
彼の作品には官能と美が融合している。
In his works, sensuality and beauty are fused together.
Compound of 官 ('sense organ; government office') and 能 ('ability; function'). Originally a neutral scientific term for sensory function, the word has acquired a strong secondary meaning of sexual/sensual pleasure, which now dominates popular usage.
USAGE:
- In scientific and food industry contexts, 官能検査 ('sensory testing') is a standard neutral term
- In literary and entertainment contexts, 官能 almost always implies eroticism
- 官能的 ('sensual') is the adjective form, used to describe art, literature, and performances
- The word carries a more literary and refined connotation than cruder alternatives
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 官能小説: erotic novel
- 官能的: sensual; erotic
- 官能検査: sensory evaluation; organoleptic testing
- 官能を刺激する: to stimulate the senses
- 官能美: sensual beauty
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 感覚: sense; sensation — the everyday neutral word for sensory perception, without any erotic connotation
- エロティック: erotic — a direct loanword; more casual and explicit than 官能的
- 色気: sex appeal; sensuality — describes personal charm and allure rather than artistic or literary sensuality