悪魔
akuma[a̠kɯ̟ma̠]
The English phrase "demons" is translated into Japanese as 悪魔 (akuma).
悪魔 refers to evil supernatural beings often associated with hell or the devil. You can also use the form 悪魔的 to describe something as "demonic" or "devilish" by adding the suffix 的.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 悪 (evil) and 魔 (magical spirit/demon), literally translating to "evil demon".
Which one should you use?
While 悪魔 is used for the Western concept of a devil or demon, the Japanese word 鬼 (oni) is used to refer to traditional Japanese ogre-like creatures.
How do you pronounce it?
akuma
Did you know?
- The term 悪魔 is frequently used in modern Japanese pop culture, such as anime and manga, to describe a character's overwhelming talent or a 'devilish' level of skill.
- In Japanese folklore, the concept of a 'demon' is often more fluid than in English, as humans can transform into 鬼 (oni) through extreme emotions like jealousy or rage.
- While 悪魔 is used for Western-style devils, the traditional Japanese 鬼 (oni) are not always evil and can sometimes act as protectors or guardians of the Buddhist law.
Examples in context
- この世に悪魔なんていないよ。There are no demons in this world.This sentence is useful for stating that there are no 悪魔 in this world.Tatoeba #10367179 by small_snow, translation #10367128 by DJ_Saidez
- 彼女の魔女集会は悪魔を召喚する。Her coven conjures the demons.This sentence is useful for describing a coven that conjures 悪魔.Tatoeba #6277533 by jaurk, translation #322275 by Dejo
- 天使には一対の翼が、悪魔にはしっぽがある。Angels have pairs of wings, and demons have tails.This sentence is useful for comparing the features of angels and 悪魔.Tatoeba #4216140 by User66813, translation #9980729 by tsp_2
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a new fantasy movie.
- 陽太 Yotaあの映画には強大な悪魔が出てくるんだ。Ano eiga ni wa kyoudai na akuma ga detekuru n da.Powerful demons appear in that movie.
- 結衣 Yui悪魔のデザインはかっこいい？Akuma no dezain wa kakkoii?Are the demon designs cool?
- 陽太 Yotaうん、すごく迫力があるよ。Un, sugoku hakuryoku ga aru yo.Yeah, they are very powerful-looking.
- 結衣 Yuiそれは見てみたいね。Sore wa mite mitai ne.I'd like to see that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 悪魔, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
