Translation guide
The English word "supernatural" refers to phenomena beyond scientific understanding or the laws of nature. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 超自然 (chōshizen), but depending on context, other words like 超常 (chōjō) or 不可思議 (fukashigi) may be used. This guide helps learners choose the right expression.
Referring to anything beyond natural laws, often in a neutral or academic sense.
The direct translation of 'supernatural'. Used in formal or academic contexts, but less common in everyday speech.
超自然現象に興味があります。
I'm interested in supernatural phenomena.
Short for 超常現象 (chōjō genshō), meaning paranormal or supernatural phenomena. Common in media and discussions of psychic powers.
Literally 'incomprehensible' or 'mysterious'. Can imply supernatural, but more often used for things that are wondrous or beyond understanding.
Referring to ghosts, spirits, monsters, or otherworldly entities.
Yōkai: a broad category of supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore, including monsters, spirits, and demons.
日本の妖怪はとても多様です。
Japanese supernatural creatures are very diverse.
Yūrei: specifically ghosts or spirits of the dead, similar to Western ghosts.
Mononoke: vengeful spirits or possessing entities, often used in historical or fantasy contexts.
Referring to abilities beyond normal human capacity, like psychic powers or magic.
Chōnōryoku: psychic power or supernatural ability. Common in anime, manga, and everyday talk about ESP.
彼は超能力を持っていると言っている。
He claims to have supernatural powers.
Maryoku: magical power, often used in fantasy settings.
Describing something that feels eerie, uncanny, or beyond natural explanation.
Bukimi: eerie, uncanny, spooky. Often used for atmospheres or things that feel supernatural in a creepy way.
不気味な静けさが漂っていた。
A supernatural silence hung in the air.
Shinpiteki: mysterious, mystical. Can imply supernatural beauty or wonder.
Reiteki: spiritual, ghostly. Used in religious or occult contexts.
超自然 (chōshizen) is the literal translation of 'supernatural' but sounds academic. In everyday conversation, 超常現象 (chōjō genshō, paranormal phenomena) is more common when talking about ghosts, UFOs, etc.
The phrase 'supernatural being' can be translated as 超自然的存在 (chōshizen-teki sonzai), but this is stiff and unnatural. Use specific terms like 妖怪, 幽霊, or 神 (kami) depending on the entity.
超常現象の話が大好きです。
I love stories about the supernatural.
Natural way to express interest in supernatural topics.
Do you believe in the supernatural?
That was a supernatural event.
この屋敷には幽霊が出るらしい。
They say this mansion is haunted by a supernatural being.
物の怪に取り憑かれた。
I was possessed by a supernatural being.
Jintsūriki: divine or supernatural power, often associated with Buddhist or Shinto contexts.
神通力を得るために修行した。
He trained to obtain supernatural powers.
That wizard has immense supernatural power.
その湖は神秘的な雰囲気がある。
That lake has a supernatural atmosphere.
I felt a supernatural presence.