降霊術
kōreijutsu
In Japanese, the word for necromancy is 降霊術 (kōreijutsu).
The term refers to the practice of divination involving the dead.
Meaning: divination involving the dead (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 降霊術 is a compound noun composed of the characters 降 (descent or summoning), 霊 (spirit) and 術 (art or technique).
Which one should you use?
While 降霊術 is the standard term, 死者蘇生術 is a more formal way to refer to necromancy and the phrase 屍を操る is an informal way to express the idea of manipulating corpses.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a compound noun, 降霊術 does not change its form based on its grammatical role in a sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
kōreijutsu
Did you know?
- In modern Japanese pop culture, the term 術 (jutsu) in 降霊術 is often associated with magical abilities in anime and manga, making the word sound more like a superpower than a religious rite.
- While 降霊術 refers to summoning, the act of a spirit possessing a living person is called 憑依 (hyōi), a distinct concept in Japanese spiritualism.
- The word 術 (jutsu) is the same root used in 忍術 (ninjutsu), suggesting that necromancy is viewed as a technical skill or craft rather than just a supernatural phenomenon.
Examples in context
- 彼は死者蘇生術を使い、亡き祖父の霊を呼び戻した。He used necromancy to bring back the spirit of his late grandfather.
- あの屍使いは屍を操って周囲を驚かせた。That necromancer shocked everyone by manipulating corpses.
- 彼は降霊術に詳しい。Kare wa kōreijutsu ni kuwashii.He is knowledgeable about necromancy.
- 古い物語には降霊術が登場する。Furui monogatari ni wa kōreijutsu ga tōjō suru.Necromancy appears in old stories.
- 降霊術を試みる儀式が行われた。Kōreijutsu o kokomiru gishiki ga okonawareta.A ritual attempting necromancy was performed.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a fantasy novel at a cafe.
- 陽太 Yotaこの小説のテーマは降霊術だよ。Kono shōsetsu no tēma wa kōreijutsu da yo.The theme of this novel is necromancy.
- 美咲 Misaki少し不気味な話になりそうね。Sukoshi bukimi na hanashi ni narisō ne.It sounds like it might be a slightly creepy story.
- 陽太 Yota美咲なら、この設定を面白がると思う。Misaki nara, kono settei o omoshirogaru to omou.I think you would find this setting interesting, Misaki.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太、そんなに自信満々なの？Yōta, sonna ni jishin manpan na no?Yota, are you that confident?
