Netorare

Netorare, abbreviated NTR, is a genre term used in Japanese media to describe narratives in which a romantic partner is seduced or taken away by a third party, resulting in jealousy and emotional distress for the betrayed partner. The term 寝取られ (netorare) combines elements meaning “to take away” and “to be taken,” and is widely used to label stories that center on perceived betrayal within a relationship.

Netorare appears most commonly in hentai, doujinshi, manga, light novels, visual novels, and some anime, though elements of the concept may appear in broader romance fiction. Variants include soft NTR, which emphasizes emotional tension and psychological impact, and hard NTR, which foregrounds explicit sexual betrayal and stronger distress. Some creators explore consent-based or morally ambiguous scenarios, but the genre is often defined by the focus on the betrayed partner’s perspective and suffering.

Typical plots involve a partner being drawn away by a rival, with the narrative emphasis on feelings of insecurity, longing, and loss rather than on action alone. The portrayal of consent and agency can vary, and some stories depict betrayal as involuntary or exploitative, while others frame it as a consequence of complex relational dynamics.

Reception of netorare is mixed and regionally diverse. Proponents argue it explores themes of trust, vulnerability, and the limits of desire, while critics view it as sensational or ethically problematic, sometimes enabling problematic fantasies or harming readers who identify with the betrayed character. See also cuckoldry and related themes in fiction.