This page is written with a Japanese character set. Change your browser's encoding to Japanese for best results.
 
 

Aku Compounds
悪魔	Akuma	Devil	This is not necessarily the devil, as in Lucifer or Satan, but it is a term used for demons that are intrinsically evil. They are usually seen as inhabiting their own world or dimension. They enjoy pain and suffering and are typically motivated by the desire to create hell on earth.
邪悪	Jaaku	See Ja
Butsu Compounds
化け物	Bakemono	See Ka
怪物	Kaibutsu	See Kai1
魔物	Mamono	See Ma
物の怪	Mononoke	Creature Monster	This is a generic term for non-human creatures that have something supernatural about them. They live in the human world, but they typically do not have a human appearance.
Ja Compounds
邪悪	Jaaku	Evil
邪道	Jadou	Blasphemy Heresy	This term literally means "evil path" and refers to a technique or method that strays from what is commonly accepted.
邪眼	Jagan	Evil eye	This can be, but is not limited to, a third eye in the middle of the forehead. The wielder of the evil eye can often mesmerize others, even to the point of controlling their actions. It may also have the power of clairvoyance.
邪気	Jaki	Ill will Evil intent
Ju Compounds
呪縛する	Jubaku suru	To restrain or bind with magic	This term is used both literally, when people are paralyzed by magic, or metaphorically, such as when someone is motionless with shock at witnessing an unexpected event.
呪符	Jufu	Written spell	One of the most common ways of using Eastern magic is to write a spell on a rectangular slip of paper. The spell can then be invoked on a moment's notice either by shouting a command or by throwing the paper at a target. The advantage of this is speed, because there is no need to recite lengthy spells during combat. Another benefit is that the written spells can generally be used by anyone, regardless of magical ability. The drawback is that the caster is limited to the spells that have been prepared in advance.
呪具	Jugu	Magical implement	This is a tool used to store or focus one's magic power, much like a wand. It is frequently an item with religious significance, such as a ring of beads (juzu) or a monk's staff (shakujou).
呪術	Jujutsu	Spellcasting ability
呪文	Jumon	Spoken spell
呪殺する	Jusatsu suru	To kill with magic
Jutsu Compounds
呪術	Jujutsu	See Ju
術者	Jutsusha	Spellcaster
魔術	Majutsu	See Ma
魔術師	Majutsushi	See Ma
Juu Compounds
怪獣	Kaijuu	See Kai1
神獣	Shinjuu	See Shin
Ka Compounds
化け	Bake-	Changed Magical	This is a prefix that indicates there is something supernatural about the creature in question. For example, bakeneko (neko = cat) is a magical cat that may either have a humanoid appearance or have the ability to shapeshift to appear human.
化け物	Bakemono	Monster Freak	This can refer to an actual monster. However, it is also a derogatory term for a person who is considered a "freak" for having psychic powers or other supernatural qualities. Since it is often applied in cases where parents reject their own children due to their unexpected magical talents, it is similar in function to the word "changeling."
変化(する)	Henge Henka suru	Transformation To change
実体化する	Jittaika suru	To solidify To materialize	A common theme in Japanese fantasy is a weapon that is insubstantial or contained within the wielder's body until summoned. This word is used when such a weapon takes on physical form. It can also refer to any immaterial being, such as a spirit, that can solidify. This is particularly important when battling creatures whose spirits can leave their physical bodies and attack at a distance, because often only a corporeal form can be effectively injured.
浄化する	Jouka suru	To purify To cleanse	Certain holy people or sacred places have the ability to purify evil. This is an ability commonly associated with priestesses (miko) and cherry trees (sakura), among other things. Many times the only way to defeat a demon is to purify it.
化身	Keshin	Personification Manifestation	Sometimes gods or other powerful beings take on human form. This can occur either as a transformation, in which a god physically turns into a mortal; a type of possession, in which the deity descends into a human host; or a reincarnation, when a god has been killed and its soul is reborn as a human.
Kai1 Compounds
怪物	Kaibutsu	Monster
怪人	Kaijin	Superhuman	This is used when someone has increased physical abilities, such as strength or speed. It does not necessarily imply any mental, spiritual, or magical abilities.
怪獣	Kaijuu	Monstrous beast	This is a large monster, such as a griffon, that is clearly a fearsome animal.
怪力	Kairyoku	Superhuman strength
物の怪	Mononoke	See Butsu
妖怪	Youkai	See You
Kai2 Compounds
魔界	Makai	See Ma
冥界	Meikai	Realm of the dead	This is a realm similar to Hades where deceased spirits spend eternity. Because the spirits in this realm do not reincarnate, it is often considered to be populated by non-human souls or souls that were too evil to continue on to another life.
人間界	Ningenkai	See Nin
霊界	Reikai	See Rei
仙界	Senkai	Realm of sages	This is a world that is not quite heaven, but is not really a place for normal humans either. It is populated by humans who have special powers, wisdom, or extended lifespans, either because they were born that way or because they devoted themselves to the pursuit of enlightenment.
天界	Tenkai	See Ten
Ki1 Compounds
邪気	Jaki	See Ja
気配	Kehai	Sign	This is a difficult concept to translate. It refers to the sense of something's or someone's presence. It is not something that can be detected with the normal five senses; it is more like an aura or "feeling."
霊気	Reiki	See Rei
生気	Seiki	Life energy	This is the natural energy of one's vitality. Every living thing possesses it, to a greater or lesser degree. Many demons or demonic items feed on it.
妖気	Youki	See You
Ki2 Compounds
餓鬼	Gaki	Hungry demon Ghoul	This is a lower-class demon that is characterized by its constant hunger.
鬼門	Kimon	Demon gate	In the Japanese myth system, geographical location is very important. It is said that demons--in particular, oni--can only attack from the northeast. This direction is called the "demon gate." The term can be extended to any specific point that is a source of disaster or misfortune.
吸血鬼	Kyuuketsuki	Vampire
小鬼	Shouki	Goblin	Literally "small oni," this can refer to any low-level, physically small demon.
Ma Compounds
悪魔	Akuma	See Aku
破魔	Hama	Demon-destroying
魔道師	Madoushi	Sorcerer	This is literally "one who follows the magic path." It implies that the person has very strong magical powers.
魔法	Mahou	Magic
魔法陣	Mahoujin	Magic circle	Similar to a pentagram, a magic circle can be used for protection of the spellcaster, to amplify one's powers, to contain a summoned creature, or as a visible manifestation of an incantation.
魔法師	Mahoushi	Magician	This refers to anyone who uses magic, regardless of power level.
魔法使い	Mahoutsukai	Magic-user
魔人	Majin	Sorcerer Warlock	Although the literal meaning is "magic person," this term often carries overtones of darkness or evil.
魔女	Majo	Witch
魔術	Majutsu	Magical arts
魔術師	Majutsushi	Wizard	This term implies a reasonable-to-high level of skill in the magical arts.
魔界	Makai	Demon realm	This world, frequently characterized as a type of hell, is usually an unforgiving wilderness. The inhabitants, whether mamono or youkai, live in a kill-or-be-killed society. If there is any form of government, it a hierarchical system where order is enforced through the sheer strength of the leader. Most demons are constantly trying to escape from their world to the human world.
魔物	Mamono	Demon	This type of demon can range from amorphous clouds of evil to animal-like beasts to stunningly beautiful humanoids. It is assumed that they see humans as nothing more than a great source of food, although occasionally the power of love can transform them into heroes.
魔王	Maou	Demon king	This being is the ruler of the demons due to his extreme power. He is commonly depicted as the equivalent of Satan, except that the role of king can change if another demon proves he is stronger than the current ruler.
魔力	Maryoku	Magic power
魔性	Mashou	Demon	This is essentially the same as mamono.
魔除け	Mayoke	Ward	Specifically, this is a type of charm or amulet that wards away evil.
夢魔	Muma	Dream demon	This is a lower-level demon that can enter and direct human dreams. It feeds on human emotion. Because of the association between sleeping and other activities performed in bed, the dream demons can be considered very seductive.
妖魔	Youma	See You
Nin Compounds
小人	Kobito	Dwarf
魔人	Majin	See Ma
人間	Ningen	Human
人間界	Ningenkai	Human realm
人魚	Ningyo	Mermaid	The Japanese mermaid is commonly more vicious than the Western counterpart. In many instances, mermaids are flesh-eating creatures that prey on anyone unfortunate enough to fall into their sea. In some versions, the legendary creatures can bestow immortality on humans through various means.
人妖	Ninyou	Half-human, half-demon
仙人	Sennin	Sage	Often translated as "hermit," these are people who were originally human but who removed themselves from humanity to devote their lives to greater mysteries. They are typically immortal and may have the ability to perform some magic, such as floating on clouds.
Rei Compounds
亡霊	Bourei	Ghost
怨霊	Onryou	Vengeful spirit	This is the ghost of someone who died with a deep hatred. The spirit continues to seek revenge for whatever caused its torment in life. The spirit generally loses the ability to discriminate between the specific person or event that made it suffer and other related circumstances, so it can cause a great deal of trouble for people who are completely innocent. For example, the ghosts of soldiers killed in battle may continue to haunt the place where they were defeated, even centuries later, poisoning the land long after peace has returned. Vengeful spirits are likely to attack relatives of their murderers, even generations removed, and may extend their hatred to all living people.
霊界	Reikai	Realm of the afterlife	This is a world ruled by the deity Enma, who has at least one son. It is the place where human souls go to be judged. Once they are judged, they are sent on to their appropriate destination, which is typically reincarnation. Enma is responsible for seeing to it that human deaths go as planned; he has a book that contains information on every human. If something happens that was not ordained--whether it be an untimely death, a missing soul, or an unnaturally extended life--he employs special agents who see to it that everything is set back on track.
霊感	Reikan	Sixth sense	This is a kind of intuition that allows one to sense the supernatural. It can range from simple premonitions of danger to "second sight" to an ability to interact with spirits.
霊気	Reiki	Spirit energy	This is the type of power that people can wield without resorting to magic. It is a form of psychic energy unique to humans. It is considered to be a different "wavelength" from the type of energy that demons use.
霊力	Reiryoku/Reiriki	Spirit power
精霊	Seirei	See Sei
幽霊	Yuurei	Ghost
Ryoku Compounds
超能力	Chounouryoku	Superpowers	These abilities can be either mental, physical, magical, or spiritual. The default is psychic powers, unless specified otherwise.
超能力者	Chounouryokusha	Person with superpowers	This is commonly translated as "esper" (i.e. "person with ESP").
怪力	Kairyoku	See Kai1
魔力	Maryoku	See Ma
能力	Nouryoku	Ability	This does not have to be a superhuman ability, but it is generally special or above average in some way.
能力者	Nouryokusha	Person with ability
霊力	Reiryoku/Reiriki	See Rei
妖力	Youryoku/Youriki	See You
Sei Compounds
精霊	Seirei	Nature spirit	These creatures correspond to dryads, naiads, and other such spirits. They frequently appear human, though they are almost always intangible. It is common for them to be associated with elemental powers; people with magical powers based on the elements usually cast spells by commanding the seirei to obey them.
妖精	Yousei	See You
Shin Compounds
犬神	Inugami	Dog god	This is a deity closely related to the kitsune. It takes the form of a dog and frequently associates with a human who can direct its powers most effectively.
神器	Jingi/Shinki	Holy relic	These are items that have either been created by or blessed by the gods. Mirrors and swords are the most common, but there are many variations.
神隠し	Kamikakushi	Sacrifice to a god	This is a term that refers to someone who mysteriously vanishes, as if taken by the gods. The person in question has generally been chosen as a sacrifice of some kind.
女神	Megami	Goddess
式神	Shikigami	Mystical servant	This is a magical creature that serves a master and fights on his behalf. The shikigami may either have been created by the master's magic or somehow won over into the master's service. Unless they are possessing the master's body, Shikigami must be summoned or triggered by an incantation or written spell.
死神	Shinigami	Grim Reaper Angel of Death	These are beings who are responsible for ensuring that humans die at the correct time and that human souls reach their proper destinations. They are frequently depicted as humans who died and yet have a strong desire to remain in contact with the human world rather than reincarnating. They usually, though not always, have the best interests of humans in mind.
神獣	Shinjuu	Holy beast	These are creatures that are so powerful or spiritually symbolic that they are considered deities.
神話	Shinwa	Myth
祟り神	Tatarigami	Vengeful god	Not all deities are benevolent. Some of them demand tribute, and some of them simply hate humans. This is a term for any god that wreaks havoc upon the human world, either for revenge or just on a whim.
Ten Compounds
堕天使	Datenshi	Fallen angel	The most famous of the fallen angels is Lucifer. In Japanese stories, Lucifer is much more strongly associated with angels than with demons.
天狗	Tengu	Long-nosed goblin	This is special kind of Japanese goblin known for its long nose.
天界	Tenkai	Heavenly realm	This is not heaven, in the sense that it is not a paradise for human souls. It is more equivalent to Mount Olympus, a realm where the gods and other immortal beings reside.
天女	Tennyo	Goddess	This is not a goddess in a religious sense. It would be more descriptive to say "heavenly woman"--a lower-level deity or supernatural being who happens to be female.
天使	Tenshi	Angel	Although most Japanese are not Christian, angels appear in stories with great frequency. One characteristic is that the number of an angel's wings indicates its level of power, with six being the strongest.
You Compounds
半妖	Hanyou	Half-demon	It is implied that a half-demon's other parent was human, though this isn't always the case.
破妖	Hayou	Demon-destroying
人妖	Ninyou	See Nin
妖怪	Youkai	Demon	There is very little difference between a youkai and a mamono. If anything, it is that youkai are not assumed to be inherently evil, they are simply a different race of creatures that tend to see humans as edible.
妖気	Youki	Magic energy	This is the type of intrinsic power that youkai wield. It is not necessarily magic--it does not require any spellcasting--and it is a different "wavelength" from human spiritual energy.
妖狐	Youko	Demonic fox	This is a creature that typically has the appearance of a human with fox ears and a fox tail. It is a shapeshifter that can become either a fox or a human. When in fox form, the number of tails it possesses indicates its power level, with nine being the highest. It is assumed to be a sensual being that can drain someone else's power through sex.
妖魔	Youma	Demon	This type of demon does not take on human form. It is typically large and fierce, though it may be "domesticated" and used for transportation.
妖力	Youryoku/Youriki	Magic power
妖精	Yousei	Fairy