Translation guide
The English word 'ghost' can refer to a spirit of the dead, a faint trace, or a digital copy. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
To refer to the soul or apparition of a deceased person, often appearing as a visible form.
The most common and general word for a ghost, typically a spirit of the dead that appears to the living. Often depicted with a white kimono and no feet.
I heard that house is haunted.
She believes she saw a ghost.
A more casual, child-friendly term for a ghost or monster. Can also refer to any supernatural creature, not just human spirits.
I'm scared to go to a haunted house.
A more literary or formal term for a spirit of the dead, often with a connotation of lingering or haunting due to unfinished business.
He was tormented by the ghosts of the battlefield.
To describe a very small amount, hint, or chance of something, often used in phrases like 'a ghost of a smile' or 'not a ghost of a chance'.
Literally 'not even a shadow of ~', used to mean 'not a trace of ~' or 'not a ghost of ~'. Fits the English idiom well.
There wasn't a ghost of a smile on his face.
There's not a ghost of a chance of success.
An adjective meaning 'faint' or 'barely perceptible', often used for traces, sounds, or light. Can replace 'ghost of a...' in many contexts.
To refer to writing for someone else without credit, or suddenly cutting off communication.
Loanword from English, commonly used for a ghostwriter. The verb form is ゴーストライティングする.
He works as a ghostwriter for celebrities.
Loanword for the act of suddenly cutting off all communication without explanation. Used as a noun or with する.
I'm shocked that he ghosted me.
To describe a place that is deserted or has very few people.
幽霊 (yūrei) is the standard term for a human ghost. お化け (obake) is broader, including monsters and shapeshifters, and is more casual. 亡霊 (bōrei) is formal/literary and often implies a restless spirit. For most everyday situations, 幽霊 is the best choice.
When I was a child, I was scared of ghosts/monsters.
The loanword ゴースト (gōsuto) is mainly used in compound terms like ゴーストタウン or ゴーストライター. Using it alone to mean a spirit is unnatural; use 幽霊 instead.
She gave a ghost of a smile.