Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 邪視 | jashi | |
| イーヴィルアイ | īviruai | |
| 邪眼 | jagan | |
| 凶眼 | kyōgan | |
| 魔眼 | magan | [ma̠ɡã̠ɴ] (narrow) |
The term refers to a wicked look conveying dislike or envy that is believed to be able to cause bad luck or injury, or the ability to cause such harm through a look.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 邪視 (jashi) is composed of 邪, meaning evil or wicked and 視, meaning gaze or look.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on whether you are discussing a cultural phenomenon or a fictional power. 邪視 (jashi) refers to the anthropological or superstitious concept of the 'evil eye' causing bad luck. In contrast, 邪眼 (jagan) is more common in fiction, such as anime or manga, to describe a supernatural power or a cursed eye. The term 魔眼 (magan) specifically implies a magical or demonic eye with supernatural abilities, often used in fantasy contexts. Finally, イーヴィルアイ (īviruai) is a loanword used when specifically discussing the Western or Mediterranean cultural phenomenon of the 'evil eye'. 凶眼 (kyōgan) is another way to express the concept of an evil eye.
How do you pronounce it?
jashi
Did you know?
- The term 凶眼 uses the character 凶, which is the same symbol used in 'omikuji' fortune slips to denote the worst possible luck.
- The character 邪 used in 邪視 and 邪眼 also appears in the word 邪道, which describes someone taking a 'wrong' or 'unorthodox' path in life.
- Unlike the Mediterranean culture where the 'evil eye' is a common daily fear, the concept of 邪視 is rarely used in everyday Japanese conversation outside of academic or fictional contexts.
Examples in context
- 彼に向けられた邪悪な視線に気づいた。I noticed the malicious gaze directed at him.
- 古い伝承では、邪視が災いをもたらすとされている。Furui denshō de wa, jashi ga wazawai o motarasu to sarete iru.In old legends, the evil eye is said to bring misfortune.
- 邪視を避けるための護符を買いました。Jashi o yokeru tame no gofu o kaimashita.I bought an amulet to ward off the evil eye.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a strange folk tale.
- 大翔 Hirotoこの物語に登場する邪視って怖くないか？Kono monogatari ni toujou suru jashi tte kowakunai ka?Isn't the evil eye in this story scary?
- 陽葵 Himari確かに、見ただけで不運を呼ぶなんて恐ろしいね。Tashika ni, mita dake de fuun o yobu nante osoroshii ne.True, it's terrifying that just looking can bring bad luck.
- 大翔 Hiroto大翔は信じる？Hiroto wa shinjiru?Do you believe in it, Hiroto?
- 陽葵 Himari陽葵、僕はそんなの信じないよ。Himari, boku wa sonna no shinjinai yo.Himari, I don't believe in things like that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “evil eye” translations and entries 邪視, 魔眼, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
