In Japan H (pronounced etchi) can mean sex, a horny/sexual/sexy person/thing, or a lewd person. When asked why a single English letter is used in this way, most Japanese people will be stumped for an answer. Some people say that it is short for hentai.

Some examples of use for the three meanings listed above.

  • "H shio"- Let's have sex. Only used by young couples and only if they have been a couple for a while.
  • "ano shaato wa chotto H da ne"- That shirt is quite sexy.
  • "H!! Used, mostly by girls to playfully reprimand guys when they make suggestive comments. Is also used as a bit of dirty talk during sex. eg: "H!!", "no, you are H".