Translation guide
A supernatural entity that serves or is bound to a person, often in folklore, occultism, or fantasy. In Japanese, this concept appears in terms for spirit companions, familiars of witches or sorcerers, and guardian spirits.
A spirit, often in animal form, that assists a witch or magician, common in Western occultism and fantasy.
The standard term for a familiar spirit in fantasy and occult contexts. Literally 'serving demon/spirit', but used neutrally for magical animal companions.
The witch's familiar was a black cat.
He summoned an owl as his familiar.
Also used in video games and light novels for summoned creatures or spirit companions.
I raise a familiar in the game.
Guardian spirit; sometimes used for a protective familiar, but more commonly refers to a personal guardian spirit in spiritualism, not necessarily animal-shaped or servant-like.
Her guardian spirit is said to be a white snake.
A spirit that accompanies or guides a person, not necessarily bound as a servant, but acting as a helper or ally.
A spirit that attaches to a person or family, often animal-shaped, and can bring fortune or misfortune. In folklore, fox or dog spirits act as familiars for shamans or sorcerers.
That family is said to have a familiar spirit.
A spirit summoned by an onmyōji (yin-yang master) to serve as a familiar or servant. Often appears in historical fantasy and manga.
A follower or retainer spirit, often used for divine or demonic beings. Can refer to a familiar in a hierarchical relationship.
Direct translation for 'familiar spirit' in the context of Western witchcraft, often used in translated works or discussions of European folklore.
使い魔 (tsukaima) is the standard term for a witch's or sorcerer's familiar, especially in fantasy. 守護霊 (shugorei) is a guardian spirit, more protective than servile, and common in spiritualism. 憑き物 (tsukimono) is a folkloric possessing spirit, often animal-shaped, that can act as a familiar but may also bring misfortune.
Harry Potter's familiar is a white owl.
Her guardian spirit is always by her side.
That house has a familiar spirit attached to it.
Do not translate 'familiar spirit' literally as 親しい霊 (shitashii rei) or よく知っている精霊 (yoku shitteiru seirei). These sound unnatural and do not convey the occult meaning. Use 使い魔 or context-appropriate terms.
Literal but incorrect for 'familiar spirit'
Fox possession is a type of familiar spirit.
陰陽師は式神を操る。
The onmyōji controls shikigami (familiar spirits).
鬼神の眷属として仕える。
Serve as a familiar of the fierce god.
In medieval Europe, witches were believed to have familiar spirits.
Familiar spirits often take the form of small animals.