もののけ姫
Mononoke-hime
In Japanese, "princess mononoke" is もののけ姫 (Mononoke-hime).
This phrase is the title of the animated film directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
What does it mean word for word?
The term もののけ refers to a spirit, a demon or a vengeful ghost that possesses or affects humans, while 姫 means princess.
How do you pronounce it?
Mononoke-hime
Did you know?
- The term もののけ is closely related to the word もの, which in archaic Japanese could refer to a 'thing' or a 'spirit' before the language developed a clear distinction between objects and souls.
- The concept of もののけ differs from Western ghosts because it describes a force that enters and controls a living host rather than a dead person haunting a location.
- The word もののけ is an archaic term. In modern Japanese, people would typically use ゆうれい for a ghost or あくま for a demon.
Examples in context
- もののけ姫は名作です。Mononoke Hime wa meisaku desu.Princess Mononoke is a masterpiece.
- 昨日、もののけ姫を見ました。Kinou, Mononoke Hime o mimashita.I watched Princess Mononoke yesterday.
- もののけ姫の音楽が好きです。Mononoke Hime no ongaku ga suki desu.I like the music of Princess Mononoke.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their favorite movies at a cafe.
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣さんは、どの映画が好きですか？Yui-san wa, dono eiga ga suki desu ka?Yui, which movie do you like?
- 結衣 Yuiもののけ姫が一番好きです。Mononoke Hime ga ichiban suki desu.I like Princess Mononoke the most.
- 大翔 Hiroto僕ももののけ姫は大好きですよ。Boku mo Mononoke Hime wa daisuki desu yo.I love Princess Mononoke too.
- 結衣 Yui大翔さんも同じですね。Hiroto-san mo onaji desu ne.You and I are the same, Hiroto.
