Translation guide
The act of driving out evil spirits or demons. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific religious and folk practices, with terms varying by tradition (Shinto, Buddhist, or folk). The most common and general term is 悪魔祓い (akuma barai), but other words are used depending on the context and method.
To refer to the act of expelling demons or evil spirits in a general sense, often in a religious or supernatural context.
The priest performed an exorcism.
A more technical or literary term for exorcism, often used in religious or academic contexts. Can also refer to the ritual itself.
The exorcism ritual began.
Loanword from English, used mainly in reference to Western exorcism, especially in movies or literature. Not commonly used in everyday Japanese.
There was an exorcism scene in the horror movie.
To refer to exorcism or spiritual cleansing within the Shinto tradition, often involving rituals to remove impurities or evil influences.
A general term for purification or exorcism in Shinto. It can refer to both personal purification and the expulsion of evil spirits. Often part of compound words.
I received a purification ritual at the shrine.
The Great Purification ritual, a specific Shinto ceremony performed twice a year to cleanse the entire population of sins and impurities. Not a personal exorcism but a communal purification.
Ritual purification by water, often involving standing under a waterfall or washing in a river. While not strictly 'exorcism', it is a form of spiritual cleansing to remove impurity.
To refer to exorcism practices in Japanese Buddhism or folk traditions, often involving sutras, spells, or charms.
A Buddhist term for subduing evil spirits or enemies through prayer and ritual. It implies controlling or vanquishing malevolent forces.
The monk exorcised the evil spirit.
A general term for incantations and prayers used in esoteric Buddhism for healing or exorcism. Often involves mantras and mudras.
A folk practice of exorcising possessing spirits, often performed by a shaman or spiritual healer. Literally 'dropping the possessing thing'.
To use 'exorcism' metaphorically, such as exorcising one's demons or past traumas.
Literally 'to exorcise a demon', but can be used figuratively to mean confronting and overcoming inner demons or psychological struggles.
He underwent counseling to exorcise his inner demons.
Means 'to settle one's past' or 'to come to terms with the past'. Used when someone wants to metaphorically exorcise past mistakes or traumas.
悪魔祓い is the most general and widely understood term for exorcism, suitable for both Western and Japanese contexts. 祓い is specifically Shinto purification, often preventive rather than dramatic expulsion. 調伏 is a Buddhist term for subduing evil, often through ritual power. Choose based on the religious context or use 悪魔祓い for a neutral term.
While エクソシスム exists, it is rarely used outside of references to Western horror films. In most contexts, it's better to use 悪魔祓い or a more specific term depending on the tradition.
The Great Purification is performed in June and December.
彼は滝で禊を行った。
He performed a purification ritual under the waterfall.
They tried to cure the illness through incantations and prayers.
She underwent a ritual to remove the possessing spirit.
He exorcised his past and started a new life.