Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
妖しい (あやしい) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Freq. Frequency Top 50,000 Conjugation Meanings 1
i-adjective
mysterious and alluring ; bewitching ; enchanting
Describes a mysterious, often supernatural charm that attracts or captivates. Compared to 怪しい, this spelling emphasizes a seductive or magical allure rather than mere suspicion.
See also: 怪しい (あやしい)
A mysterious, alluring light was floating in the forest at night.
Kanji 妖 attractive, bewitching, calamity Similar words 怪あや しい 怪しい is the common spelling for 'suspicious', 'dubious', or 'questionable'. 妖しい is a specialized variant that highlights a bewitching, enchanting, or supernatural allure, often with a positive or captivating nuance.
Etymology The kanji 妖 carries meanings of 'bewitching', 'enchanting', and 'supernatural'. The reading あやしい is shared with 怪しい, but the choice of 妖 specifically narrows the nuance to mysterious allure rather than suspicion. The exact historical derivation of the reading is uncertain.
