Translation guide
A mage is a magic user, often in fantasy settings. In Japanese, the most common term is 魔法使い (mahoutsukai), but other words exist depending on context, such as 魔術師 (majutsushi) for a more scholarly or formal mage, or 魔導士 (madoushi) in RPGs and anime.
A person who uses magic, typically in fantasy stories, games, or anime.
The most common and neutral term for a magic user. Suitable for most contexts, from children's stories to serious fantasy.
She is a powerful mage.
That mage uses fire magic.
Often implies a more scholarly, formal, or ritualistic magic user. Common in serious fantasy or historical settings.
He is a descendant of an ancient mage.
Used primarily in RPGs, anime, and light novels. Conveys a sense of a magic user in a game-like class system.
A mage is an essential class for the party.
A mage as a wise man or sage, often associated with ancient knowledge or prophecy.
A mage as a stage magician or illusionist, performing tricks for entertainment.
魔法使い is the safest, most general term. 魔術師 sounds more formal and scholarly, often used in serious fantasy. 魔導士 is common in RPGs and anime for a magic-using class. Choose based on the tone of your context.
If you mean a stage magician who performs tricks, use 奇術師 or 手品師. Using 魔法使い for a stage magician would imply they use real magic, which is not the intended meaning.
The mage taught the basics of magic to his apprentice.
手品師がコインを消す手品を見せた。
The mage performed a trick where he made a coin disappear.