お化けの出る
obake no deru
The English word 'haunted' is translated into Japanese as お化けの出る (obake no deru).
This phrase is used to describe a place or object that is frequented by a ghost. If you want to describe something as merely suspicious or eerie rather than specifically haunted, you might use ayashii.
Meaning: frequented by a ghost (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally means 'ghost's appearing' or 'where ghosts appear'.
Which one should you use?
お化けの出る is used to modify a noun, such as a 'haunted house'. In contrast, お化けが出る is used as a complete sentence to state that 'ghosts appear'. Additionally, for a more formal or standard way to express the concept of ghosts appearing, one would use 幽霊が出る instead of using お化け.
How does it change in a sentence?
This phrase functions as an adjectival clause that must precede a noun to describe it.
How do you pronounce it?
obake no deru
Did you know?
- The word obake comes from the verb bakeru, meaning 'to change'. In Japanese folklore, a ghost is not just a dead person, but any creature or object that has the power to shapeshift.
- In a modern context, calling someone an お化け is not an insult about ghosts, but a way to say they are unnaturally talented at a specific skill.
- The word お化け can refer to an old umbrella or a lantern that has gained a soul after reaching a certain age, known as tsukumogami.
Examples in context
- Mukashi mukashi, otoko no ko wa obake no ie ni hairimashita. (むかしむかし、男の子はお化けの家に入りました。)Once upon a time, a boy entered a haunted house.
- お化けの出るホテルに泊まりたいですか？Obake no deru hoteru ni tomaritai desu ka?Do you want to stay at a haunted hotel?
- ここは、お化けの出る古い屋敷です。Koko wa, obake no deru furui yashiki desu.This is an old, haunted mansion.
- お化けの出る場所には行きたくない。Obake no deru basho ni wa ikitakunai.I don't want to go to a haunted place.
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are talking about a local legend while walking at night.
- 健太 Kentaあそこはお化けの出る公園らしいよ。Asoko wa obake no deru kouen rashii yo.I heard that park over there is haunted.
- 陽葵 Himari本当？すごく怖いわ。Hontou? Sugoku kowai wa.Really? That's very scary.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵は怖がりだね。Himari wa kowagari dane.You are a scaredy-cat, Himari.
- 陽葵 Himari健太くんも、絶対行かないでよ。Kenta-kun mo, zettai ikanaide yo.Kenta, you definitely shouldn't go there either.
