おばけ
Meanings
1
ghost; apparition; goblin; monster; demon
usually written using kana alone
General term for supernatural beings, from traditional yōkai to modern ghosts. Often used in children's stories or to describe something spooky.
There's a rumor that a ghost appears at midnight.
When I was a child, I was scared to hear ghost stories.
2
something unusually large
usually written using kana alone
Colloquial use to describe something that is surprisingly or comically large, often with a nuance of exaggeration.
This pumpkin is huge, like a monster!
Usage patterns
- お化けが出るfor a ghost/monster to appear
They say ghosts appear in this forest at night.
- お化けを怖がるto be afraid of ghosts
My little brother is really scared of ghosts.
Expressions
- お化けの話ghost story; spooky tale