閻魔
enma
The phrase "king of hell" in Japanese is 閻魔 (enma).
閻魔 refers specifically to the Buddhist deity who judges the dead. It is not used as a generic title for any king ruling a hellish realm, but rather names the specific figure in Japanese mythology.
Which one should you use?
While 閻魔 is the name of the deity, you may also see the form 閻魔大王 (enma daiō). The addition of 大王 (daiō), meaning "Great King", serves to refer to him more formally or descriptively as the Great King Enma.
How do you pronounce it?
enma
When do people say it?
In Japanese folklore and Buddhist tradition, Enma is depicted as a fearsome judge. He examines the sins of the deceased to determine their eventual rebirth.
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, if someone is being incredibly strict or difficult, a person might joke that they are acting like 閻魔. It is a common way to describe a person who is ruthlessly judging others or being an uncompromising authority figure.
- The name 閻魔 is actually a Japanese adaptation of the Sanskrit word Yama, the deity of death in Hindu-Buddhist traditions. This journey from India through China to Japan shows how the concept of the afterlife traveled across Asia.
- In Japanese popular culture, 閻魔 (enma) is often portrayed not as a monster, but as a stern bureaucrat who keeps meticulously detailed records of every person's life.
Examples in context
- あの漫画シリーズでは、地獄の王様が恐ろしいキャラクターとして描かれているね！That manga series portrays the 'King of Hell' as a fearsome character!
- 閻魔は死後の世界を司る。Enma wa shigo no sekai o tsukasadoru.Enma rules the afterlife.
- 閻魔の裁きはとても厳しい。Enma no sabaki wa totemo kibishii.Enma's judgment is very strict.
- 昔話には閻魔が登場する。Mukashibanashi ni wa Enma ga toujou suru.Enma appears in old folktales.
Example conversation
A brother and sister are talking about a scary story in the living room.
- 陽葵 Himari閻魔って怖くない？Enma tte kowakunai?Isn't Enma scary?
- 陽太 Yota悪い人を裁くからね。Warui hito o sabaku kara ne.Because he judges bad people.
- 陽葵 Himari閻魔の顔、見たことある？Enma no kao, mita koto aru?Have you ever seen Enma's face?
- 陽太 Yota絵本で見たよ。Ehon de mita yo.I saw it in a picture book.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 閻魔, CC BY-SA 4.0.
