NTR, short for Netorare (寝取られ), is a Japanese term that translates to "cheating." It describes a specific trope or genre, particularly prevalent in Japanese media like anime, manga, and visual novels, where a character's romantic partner engages in sexual or romantic acts with someone else, often leading to feelings of betrayal or cuckoldry for the initial partner.
Understanding Netorare
At its core, netorare focuses on the emotional and psychological impact of infidelity on the betrayed partner. The "NTR" abbreviation has become synonymous with this particular narrative device.
- Origin: The term "netorare" originates from Japanese and literally means "to be cheated on" or "to be stolen from."
- Core Concept: It revolves around themes of betrayal, jealousy, and the breaking of trust within a relationship due to the actions of one's partner with a third party.
Distinction from Cuckoldry
While the concept of NTR might seem similar to cuckoldry (the situation of a husband whose wife has been unfaithful), there are key distinctions that set netorare apart:
| Feature | Netorare (NTR) | Cuckoldry |
|---|---|---|
| Relationship | Often involves couples not in a marital affair | Specifically refers to a married couple |
| Focus | Broader spectrum of infidelity and betrayal | Specifically a wife's infidelity to her husband |
| Marital Status | Does not necessarily involve marriage | Explicitly tied to marital infidelity |
A primary difference highlighted is that in NTR scenarios, the couples involved are not necessarily in a marital affair. This allows for a broader application of the trope beyond just married relationships.
Examples in Media
One prominent example where the term "NTR" is explicitly used in a title and context is the Japanese manga and anime series Netsuzou Trap -NTR- (Japanese: 捏造トラップ-NTR-). In this story, the "NTR" element is central to the plot:
- Scenario: Two female friends engage in romantic and sexual activities with each other, despite both having boyfriends.
- Betrayal: This creates a scenario of "cheating" where the girls are unfaithful to their respective boyfriends by doing things with each other, embodying the essence of netorare.
This type of narrative explores the complexities of relationships, attraction, and the emotional turmoil that arises from infidelity outside of traditional marital bonds.
