Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of an 'evil spirit' is expressed through various terms that differ in nuance, from malevolent supernatural beings to vengeful ghosts. The most common and general term is 悪霊 (akuryō), but other words like 悪魔 (akuma) and 妖怪 (yōkai) are used depending on the specific type of entity.
A generic evil spirit that causes harm or possesses people, often used in religious or supernatural contexts.
The most direct translation for 'evil spirit'. It refers to a malevolent spirit that can cause harm, possession, or misfortune. Commonly used in horror, occult, and religious contexts.
彼は悪霊に取り憑かれた。
He was possessed by an evil spirit.
悪霊を祓う儀式が行われた。
A ritual to exorcise evil spirits was performed.
Literally 'devil' or 'demon', but often used to refer to evil spirits in a broader sense, especially in Western-influenced contexts. It implies a more personified, demonic entity.
悪魔が彼の魂を狙っている。
An evil spirit is after his soul.
A less common term specifically meaning 'evil spirit' or 'malevolent ghost'. Used in spiritual or religious contexts, often in contrast to 正霊 (seirei, good spirit).
邪霊がこの場所に潜んでいる。
An evil spirit lurks in this place.
A spirit of a dead person that returns to cause harm due to resentment or unfinished business, typical in Japanese folklore.
A vengeful ghost that brings calamity or curses. Strongly associated with Japanese folklore and history, such as the spirits of wronged individuals. Often depicted in Noh and Kabuki theater.
その怨霊は復讐のために現れた。
The vengeful spirit appeared to seek revenge.
怨霊を鎮めるために祭りが行われた。
A festival was held to appease the vengeful spirit.
A ghost or spirit of the dead, often with a negative connotation. While not always evil, it can refer to a restless or haunting spirit. More general than 怨霊.
A supernatural creature from Japanese folklore that is malevolent or mischievous, often with a physical form.
A broad term for supernatural monsters, spirits, and demons in Japanese folklore. Not all 妖怪 are evil, but many are malevolent. Often used in popular culture.
この森には妖怪が住んでいる。
Evil spirits live in this forest.
妖怪に化かされた。
I was deceived by an evil spirit.
A vengeful or malevolent spirit that possesses people or causes illness. Often used in historical or literary contexts, such as in the movie 'Princess Mononoke'.
An ogre or demon in Japanese folklore, often depicted as a fierce, horned creature. While not exactly a 'spirit', it is sometimes translated as 'evil spirit' in a broader sense.
悪霊 (akuryō) is a general term for any evil spirit, while 怨霊 (onryō) specifically refers to a vengeful ghost of a person who died with a grudge. Use 怨霊 when the spirit's motivation is revenge, and 悪霊 for broader malevolent entities.
Directly translating 'evil' as 悪い (warui) and 'spirit' as 霊 (rei) to form 悪い霊 is unnatural. Use established terms like 悪霊 or 怨霊 instead.
亡霊が城に出ると言われている。
They say an evil spirit appears in the castle.
物の怪が彼に取り憑いた。
An evil spirit possessed him.
An evil spirit kidnapped a person.