Translation guide
The English word "demon" can refer to a malevolent supernatural being in Western contexts, but in Japanese, the closest equivalents carry different cultural nuances. This guide helps learners choose the right word based on the intended meaning.
A malevolent supernatural creature from Western mythology, Christianity, or fantasy.
The standard translation for a Western demon or devil. Often implies a powerful, intelligent evil being, similar to Satan or his minions.
He sold his soul to a demon.
Demons appear in that game.
Originally a Japanese ogre or oni, but sometimes used for Western demons in fantasy contexts, especially when emphasizing a monstrous appearance.
Demons live in that dungeon.
Loanword from English, used in specific fantasy or gaming contexts (e.g., Dungeons & Dragons).
Demons are resistant to magic.
A traditional Japanese ogre-like creature, often with horns, sharp claws, and tiger-skin loincloth, sometimes malevolent.
The standard word for the Japanese ogre. In folklore, oni are often villains, but can also be protective deities. Not a direct equivalent of Western demons.
On Setsubun, we throw beans at demons.
Demons appear in old tales.
A metaphor for a personal flaw, addiction, or psychological struggle.
Informal: someone extremely skilled, fierce, or relentless in a particular activity.
Used as a prefix or standalone to mean 'demon-like' in intensity, e.g., a strict coach or a hardcore fan.
That coach is a demon (really strict).
He practices like a demon.
Sometimes used metaphorically for a ruthless or devilish person, but less common than 鬼 for skill/intensity.
悪魔 (akuma) is closer to the Western concept of a demon or devil, often associated with evil and temptation. 鬼 (oni) is a Japanese ogre, typically depicted as a large, horned, monstrous humanoid. In modern fantasy, the distinction can blur, but 鬼 retains a more physical, brute-force connotation, while 悪魔 is more spiritual or intellectual.
In Christian contexts, always use 悪魔 (akuma) for demons. Using 鬼 (oni) would be culturally inaccurate and confusing.
He's a demon at work.