Translation guide
The act of summoning supernatural entities, performing magic tricks, or evoking images and feelings. This guide covers Japanese expressions for these distinct meanings.
To call forth ghosts, demons, or spirits through ritual or magic.
The standard term for summoning in fantasy, games, and occult contexts. Often used for summoning monsters or spirits.
悪魔を召喚する儀式
a ritual to summon a demon
Specifically refers to calling down spirits, often in spiritualist or séance contexts.
降霊術で死者の霊を呼び出す
to call forth the spirits of the dead through necromancy
A general verb meaning 'to call out' or 'to summon'. Used broadly, including for spirits.
魔法陣で精霊を呼び出す
to summon a spirit with a magic circle
Entertainment magic involving illusions, card tricks, and making things appear or disappear.
The general term for magic tricks or sleight of hand. A 'conjurer' is 手品師 (てじなし).
彼は手品でハトを出した。
He conjured a dove with a magic trick.
A slightly more formal or literary term for magic tricks or illusions.
To bring something vividly to mind, often through description or art.
Means 'to make someone recall' or 'to evoke'. Used for memories or images.
その曲は青春時代を思い起こさせる。
That song conjures up memories of my youth.
A literary expression meaning 'to be reminiscent of' or 'to strongly evoke'. Often used in written descriptions.
その風景は故郷を彷彿とさせる。
The scenery conjures up images of my hometown.
Literally 'to call forth and awaken', used for evoking emotions or memories.
Do not use 召喚 (しょうかん) for stage magic. 召喚 is for supernatural summoning. Use 手品 (てじな) or 奇術 (きじゅつ) for magic tricks.
The conjurer amazed the audience.
その香りが幼い頃の記憶を呼び起こした。
The scent conjured up memories of my childhood.