切り裂き魔
The English phrase 'ripper' is translated into Japanese as 切り裂き魔.
The term refers to a murderer who kills and often mutilates victims with a blade. It is most commonly used as a direct translation for 'Jack the Ripper' (切り裂きジャック).
Meaning: murderer who kills and often mutilates victims with a blade (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of the verb kirisaku (to rip or slash) and ma (demon or fiend/devil).
Did you know?
- The character 魔 in 切り裂き魔 is the same character used in 魔法 for 'magic' and 魔女 for 'witch'. In this context it suggests a supernatural or inhuman cruelty rather than just a crime.
- The verb 切り裂く describes a very specific physical action of rending something apart. It is used not only for crime but also to describe 'cutting through' the clouds or the silence.
- In Japanese pop culture, the 'slasher' genre often uses variations of kirisaku to describe even non-human monsters that tear things apart.
Examples in context
- 切り裂き魔のニュースが流れた。Kirisakima no nyūsu ga nagareta.News about the ripper was broadcast.
