魔導士
madoushi
The Japanese word for mage is 魔導士 (madoushi).
魔導士 is used to refer to a magician, wizard or sorcerer. This specific term is most commonly found in fantasy literature, video games and anime, rather than in historical or real-world contexts.
Meaning: magician, wizard or sorcerer (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
madoushi
Did you know?
- While 魔導士 appears in games, real-world practitioners of traditional occult arts in Japan are more likely to be called 陰陽師 (onmyouji). These were historical officials who balanced the elements to protect the emperor.
- The term 魔導 (madou) refers to the 'way' or 'path' of magic. This mirrors the use of 道 (dou) in 'bushido' or 'judo', framing magic as a disciplined martial or spiritual path rather than just a skill.
- The first character in 魔導士, which is 魔, also appears in the word for 'demon' or 'devil', 悪魔 (akuma).
Examples in context
- 彼は優れた魔術師です。He is an excellent mage.
- 魔法使いさん、お元気ですか？Hey there, mage! How are you doing?
- 彼は伝説の魔導士です。Kare wa densetsu no madoshi desu.He is a legendary mage.
- 魔導士の魔法はとても強力です。Madoshi no mahou wa totemo kyouryoku desu.The mage's magic is very powerful.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a fantasy video game.
- 結衣 Yuiこのゲームの魔導士は強いですか？Kono geemu no madoshi wa tsuyoi desu ka?Is the mage in this game strong?
- 健太 Kentaはい、とても強力ですよ。Hai, totemo kyouryoku desu yo.Yes, he is very powerful.
- 結衣 Yui健太さんは魔導士を使いますか？Kenta-san wa madoshi o tsukaimasu ka?Do you use a mage, Kenta?
- 健太 Kentaいいえ、私は戦士を使います。Iie, watashi wa senshi o tsukaimasu.No, I use a warrior.
