Translation guide
In Japanese folklore and horror, a revengeful ghost is typically a spirit that returns to the living world to exact vengeance for wrongs suffered in life. The most common term is 怨霊 (onryō), but other expressions exist depending on context.
A ghost that seeks revenge, especially in traditional stories, horror, or supernatural contexts.
The standard term for a vengeful ghost or wrathful spirit in Japanese folklore. Often appears in horror and historical tales.
A spirit of a dead person that returns to harm the living, in modern or non-folklore contexts.
Literally 'a ghost that takes revenge'. Clear and understandable in modern Japanese.
その映画は復讐する幽霊の話だ。
That movie is about a revengeful ghost.
怨霊 (onryō) specifically implies a spirit driven by vengeance, often with a tragic backstory. 幽霊 (yūrei) is a general term for ghost, not necessarily vengeful. Use 怨霊 when the ghost's purpose is revenge.
Directly translating 'revengeful ghost' as 復讐の幽霊 is understandable but less natural than using established terms like 怨霊 or descriptive phrases.
この寺は怨霊を鎮めるために建てられた。
This temple was built to appease vengeful spirits.
A general term for ghost or apparition, often with a negative or haunting connotation. Can imply a spirit with unfinished business, including revenge.
亡霊が現れて復讐を果たそうとした。
A ghost appeared and tried to exact revenge.
Evil spirit or demon. Can be used for malevolent ghosts, including those seeking revenge, but broader than just vengeful human spirits.
悪霊に取り憑かれた。
I was possessed by an evil spirit.
A curse or divine punishment, often caused by a vengeful spirit. Refers to the act of haunting/retribution rather than the ghost itself.
怨霊の祟りで村が滅びた。
The village was destroyed by the curse of a vengeful ghost.
A ghost that clears its grudge. Emphasizes the emotional motivation.
恨みを晴らす幽霊が毎晩現れる。
A revengeful ghost appears every night.