Refers to a person who performs magic, often in fantasy or occult contexts. Can be used for stage magicians as well as sorcerers.
The magician pulled a rabbit out of his hat.
He uses mysterious powers like a legendary sorcerer.
魔術師 often suggests a trained sorcerer or stage magician performing tricks, while 魔法使い leans toward fantasy characters who wield innate magical power.
手品師 is a stage performer of tricks and illusions, whereas 魔術師 refers to a sorcerer or wizard with supposed supernatural powers.
Compound of 魔術 (magic, sorcery) and 師 (master, practitioner). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word follows a common pattern for occupational titles.