魅
fascination, charm, bewitch
Readings
On'yomi
- ミ
Kun'yomi
—
Meaning
魅 centers on a mysterious, captivating power that draws people in: fascination, charm, or bewitchment. The idea is an alluring, almost supernatural attraction.
Most common words using 魅
- 魅力みりょくN3
charm; fascination; glamour; glamor; attraction; appeal
- 魅了みりょう
charm; fascination
- 魅惑みわくN1
fascination; captivation; charm; lure; allurement
- 魅するみする
to charm; to bewitch; to enchant; to captivate; to fascinate
- 魅せるみせる
to charm; to bewitch; to enchant; to captivate; to fascinate
- 魅入るみいる
to fascinate; to enchant; to possess; to bewitch; to enthrall
- 魑魅魍魎ちみもうりょう
evil spirits of rivers and mountains
- 魅力的みりょくてきN3
charming; fascinating; attractive
- 厭魅えんみ
killing someone with a magical curse; cursing someone to death
- 性的魅力せいてきみりょく
sex appeal
- 鬼魅きみ
demon; monster; apparition
- 魅せられるみせられる
to be enchanted; to be charmed
- 魅せプみせプ
clean gameplay; enthralling gameplay
- 魅力的機能みりょくてききのう
desirable feature
- 魅惑的みわくてき
charming; fascinating; enchanting; bewitching; beguiling; captivating; alluring
- 魑魅ちみ
mountain demon
- 魔魅まみ
deceiving spirit
Study
Etymology
魅 combines 鬼 (ghost, demon) with 未, which likely contributes the sound. The character originally referred to a kind of malevolent spirit or demon that bewitches people, hence the meanings of fascination and charm.
Meaning mnemonic
A ghost (鬼) that is not yet (未) fully visible, but its presence is felt as an irresistible charm. Imagine a mysterious spirit hiding just out of sight, drawing you in with fascination.
Reading mnemonic
For ミ, picture yourself (me) being bewitched by a charming ghost: me -> ミ. The ghost's fascination makes you say 'me' as you fall under its spell.