evil spirit; vengeful ghost; specter
Refers to a malevolent supernatural being in Japanese folklore, often a spirit that possesses or curses people. Strongly associated with traditional tales and the Ghibli film 'Princess Mononoke'.
It is said that evil spirits live in this forest.
He is acting strange, as if possessed by a vengeful ghost.
Standard kanji spelling for this word.
Kana spelling is common in modern writing, especially in fantasy and folklore contexts.
Rarely used kanji form; 気 can suggest a spirit or energy, but this spelling is uncommon.
Historically written 物の気, combining 物 “an unidentified supernatural thing” with 気 “influence, presence.” It first denoted an uncanny or harmful supernatural influence and later the spirit believed to cause it.