Translation guide
A witch is a person, usually a woman, who practices magic or sorcery. In English, the word can refer to historical or folkloric figures, modern practitioners of Wicca, or fictional characters. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese word depending on the context.
witch (fairy tale)
witch (Wiccan)
To refer to a witch as a character in stories, myths, or folklore, often with magical powers and sometimes a sinister or mysterious image.
The most common and direct translation for a witch in fantasy, fairy tales, and popular culture. It can be neutral or carry a slightly dark, mysterious connotation, but is widely used for both good and evil witches.
The witch flew through the sky on a broomstick.
I dressed up as a witch for Halloween.
A more literary or archaic term for a demoness or ogress, sometimes translated as 'witch' in older texts. It implies a monstrous, evil female being. Rare in modern usage except in historical or mythological contexts.
To refer to a person who practices Wicca or modern witchcraft as a religion or spiritual path.
Borrowed from English 'Wiccan'. This specifically refers to a follower of the Wicca religion. It is the most accurate term for modern pagan witches.
She is a Wiccan and values nature worship.
Some modern practitioners in Japan also use 魔女 to describe themselves, reclaiming the term. However, it can still carry fictional or negative connotations, so context is important.
To use 'witch' as an insult for a mean or ugly old woman.
Literally 'demon hag', this is a strong insult for a cruel, ugly old woman. It captures the derogatory sense of 'witch' in English.
The old witch next door is always yelling at the kids.
Means 'mean old lady'. Less intense than 鬼婆, but still conveys the idea of a nasty old woman. It doesn't carry the supernatural connotation.
魔女 (majo) typically refers to a female witch, often with a mysterious or slightly dark image, common in fantasy. 魔法使い (mahōtsukai) is gender-neutral and simply means 'magic user', suitable for wizards, sorcerers, or benevolent magic practitioners. For a male witch or wizard, use 魔法使い or 魔法使いの男 (male magic user).
Harry Potter is a wizard.
When using 'witch' as an insult, directly translating to 魔女 may sound like you're calling someone a fantasy character rather than insulting them. Use 鬼婆 or 意地悪ばあさん for the derogatory meaning.
Literally 'magic user', this is a gender-neutral term. It can refer to wizards, sorcerers, or witches. Use it when you want to emphasize the practice of magic without the specifically feminine or dark connotations of 魔女. Often used for benevolent magic users.
She was a good witch and helped the villagers.
The witch in the old tale is a terrifying being.
Modern witches view magic as a spiritual practice.
Don't talk to that old witch.