Translation guide
In Buddhist cosmology, the Asura realm is one of the six realms of rebirth, inhabited by powerful but jealous and combative demigods. This entry explains how to refer to this realm and its inhabitants in Japanese, along with related cultural and religious expressions.
Referring to the Asura realm as a place or state of existence in Buddhist cosmology.
Standard term for the Asura realm, literally 'Asura path'. Used in Buddhist contexts.
阿修羅道は六道の一つです。
The Asura realm is one of the six realms.
Abbreviated form of 阿修羅道, common in spoken or less formal Buddhist references.
修羅道に落ちる。
To fall into the Asura realm.
Literally 'the world of Asuras', a more descriptive phrase.
阿修羅の世界は争いが絶えない。
The world of Asuras is filled with constant conflict.
Referring to the beings that inhabit the Asura realm.
The general term for Asura beings. Can be singular or plural.
阿修羅は常に戦っている。
Asuras are always fighting.
Shortened form of 阿修羅, often used in compounds or literary contexts.
修羅の如き形相。
A fierce look like that of an Asura.
Using 'shura' metaphorically to describe a scene of fierce fighting, bloodshed, or a state of constant struggle.
Literally 'Asura scene', commonly used to mean a scene of carnage, a battleground, or a situation of intense conflict (including emotional drama).
会議は修羅場と化した。
The meeting turned into a battlefield.
修羅場をくぐってきた。
I've been through hell (many tough situations).
Literary phrase meaning 'the streets of Asura', i.e., a place of constant strife.
While 'Ashura' (アシュラ) can refer to the Buddhist deity or the realm, in modern Japanese it's also a name in pop culture (e.g., manga, games). Context is key.
The term 修羅場 is often used colloquially to describe emotionally intense situations, like a lover's quarrel or a workplace conflict, not just physical battles.
The battlefield turned into a scene of carnage.