Translation guide
In Japanese, the Christian concept of 'the Devil' is most commonly expressed as 悪魔 (akuma), but there are also native terms like 魔王 (maou) for a demon king, and サタン (satan) specifically for Satan. The choice depends on context and nuance.
Referring to the Devil as the supreme evil spirit in Christianity, often synonymous with Satan.
The most common and general term for 'devil' or 'demon' in Japanese. It can refer to the Christian Devil, but also to any evil spirit. In Christian contexts, it is often used to translate 'the Devil'.
悪魔は嘘つきの父である。
The Devil is the father of lies.
Specifically 'Satan', used in biblical or theological contexts. Less common in everyday speech, but precise for the Christian adversary.
サタンは神に反逆した。
Satan rebelled against God.
Literally 'demon king' or 'dark lord'. Often used in fantasy or to refer to a ruler of demons, like Satan in some interpretations. Not the standard term for the Christian Devil.
魔王は地獄を支配している。
The Devil rules over Hell.
Referring to any malevolent supernatural being, not necessarily the supreme Devil.
Again, the most common word. It can mean a devil, demon, or fiend. Context distinguishes it from the specific Devil.
彼は悪魔に取り憑かれた。
He was possessed by a devil.
Traditional Japanese ogre or demon, often depicted with horns and a fierce appearance. Not the same as the Western devil, but sometimes translated as such in folklore contexts.
A generic term for monsters, demons, or evil spirits. Often used in fantasy settings.
Referring to the Devil as a force that tempts people to do wrong, often used metaphorically.
Used in phrases like 'the devil made me do it' or 'speak of the devil'. It carries the connotation of temptation.
悪魔のささやきに負けた。
I gave in to the devil's whisper.
Literally 'the devil in one's heart', used to describe inner evil or temptation.
誰の心にも悪魔が住んでいる。
A devil lives in everyone's heart.
悪魔 (akuma) is the general term for devil/demon and is safe for most contexts. サタン (satan) is specifically the biblical Satan. 魔王 (maou) is a 'demon king' and is more common in fantasy or when referring to a ruler of evil spirits. For the Christian Devil, 悪魔 is most common, but サタン is more precise in theological discussions.
悪魔はいつもあなたを誘惑しようとしている。
The Devil is always trying to tempt you.
サタンは元々天使だった。
Satan was originally an angel.
In English, 'the Devil' is often used in idioms like 'speak of the devil' or 'the devil is in the details'. These do not translate literally. For 'speak of the devil', use 噂をすれば影 (うわさをすればかげ) or simply 噂をすれば. For 'the devil is in the details', a natural equivalent is 細部にこそ悪魔が宿る (さいぶにこそあくまがやどる), but it's a borrowed phrase; a more native expression might be 細かいところが難しい (こまかいところがむずかしい).
A devil attacked the village.
Devils live in that forest.