Translation guide
The act of expelling malevolent supernatural forces, often through ritual, prayer, or symbolic actions. Japanese expressions vary by method and context, from religious exorcism to folk practices.
To expel evil spirits through formal religious rites, such as those performed by priests or shamans.
General term for exorcism of evil spirits, used in both Shinto and Buddhist contexts.
神主が悪霊祓いを行った。
The Shinto priest performed an exorcism.
Purification or exorcism, often used in Shinto rituals to remove impurities and evil influences.
神社でお祓いを受けた。
I received a purification ritual at the shrine.
Spirit removal, often used in spiritual or occult contexts, sometimes by mediums.
除霊の儀式が行われた。
A spirit removal ceremony was held.
Literally 'destroy evil,' a term used in esoteric Buddhism for exorcism rites.
破魔の法を修する。
To practice the rite of exorcism.
To chase away evil spirits using traditional customs, such as throwing beans or loud noises.
Chant used during Setsubun (bean-throwing festival) to drive out demons and invite good fortune.
節分には「鬼は外、福は内」と言って豆をまく。
On Setsubun, we throw beans while saying 'Demons out, fortune in.'
Bean-throwing ceremony on Setsubun to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck.
豆まきで鬼を追い払う。
We drive out the demons by throwing beans.
Ancient Chinese-influenced ritual to expel evil spirits, now mostly historical or performed at some shrines.
To keep evil spirits away through amulets, charms, or symbolic actions.
A charm or talisman to ward off evil spirits; also the act of protecting against evil.
玄関に魔除けの飾りをつけた。
I put up a charm to ward off evil at the entrance.
Protection against misfortune or evil influences, often through prayers or amulets.
A charm or placement to block the 'demon gate' (northeast direction), considered unlucky.
家の鬼門に鬼門除けを置く。
Place a demon-gate charm in the northeast corner of the house.
To drive out evil spirits by making loud noises, such as drumming or shouting.
Using musical instruments or noise-making objects to scare away evil spirits.
祭りでは太鼓を鳴らして悪霊を追い払う。
At the festival, they beat drums to drive away evil spirits.
Twanging a bowstring to ward off evil spirits, a traditional Shinto practice.
弓鳴らしで邪気を払う。
Ward off evil spirits by twanging the bowstring.
悪霊祓い is a general term for exorcism of evil spirits. 除霊 often implies removal of spirits by a medium or psychic, while 祓い is a broader Shinto purification ritual that may include exorcism.
Many expressions are tied to specific festivals (e.g., Setsubun) or religious practices. Using the wrong term in a casual context may sound overly dramatic or superstitious.
The tsuina ceremony has been performed since the Heian period.
厄除けのお守りを買った。
I bought an amulet for protection against evil.