Exploring different languages and learning how to express certain concepts or words is a fascinating way to broaden your cultural knowledge. If you’re curious about how to say “witch” in various languages, this guide will provide you with a diverse range of formal and informal translations. We’ll also touch upon regional variations when necessary. Let’s dive into the enchanting world of linguistic diversity!
Table of Contents
English: Witch
Let’s start with the English term “witch,” which refers to a person, primarily a woman, who practices witchcraft or sorcery. The word “witch” can be used both formally and informally, making it quite versatile in the English language.
Formal: Witch
Informal: Witchy
Spanish: Bruja
In Spanish, the word for witch is “bruja.” This term is primarily used in Spain and Latin American countries.
Formal: Bruja
Informal: Brujita (literally, “little witch”)
French: Sorcière
French, known for its romantic flair, provides us with the word “sorcière” for witch. This term is used both formally and informally in France and other French-speaking regions.
Formal: Sorcière
Informal: Sorci (short for “sorcière”)
German: Hexe
Germany offers us the word “Hexe” to represent a witch. This term can be used formally and informally in the German language.
Formal: Hexe
Informal: Hexchen (a diminutive form meaning “little witch”)
Italian: Strega
In Italian, the word for witch is “strega.” This term is used formally and informally throughout Italy.
Formal: Strega
Informal: Stregaccia (informal and affectionate)
Portuguese: Bruxa
The Portuguese language provides us with the word “bruxa” for witch. This term can be used both formally and informally.
Formal: Bruxa
Informal: Bruxinha (affectionate and informal)
Japanese: 魔女 (Majo)
In Japanese, the word for witch is written as “魔女” (Majo) and pronounced as “mah-jo.” Keep in mind that written Japanese makes use of kanji, while pronunciation is in hiragana and katakana.
Formal: 魔女 (Majo)
Informal: まほうつかい (Mahōtsukai) (meaning “magician” or “sorcerer”; used informally for witch)
Russian: Ведьма (Ved’ma)
Russian introduces us to the word “ведьма” (Ved’ma) for witch. This term can be used both formally and informally.
Formal: Ведьма (Ved’ma)
Informal: Колдунья (Koldunya) (more colloquial and informal term)
Mandarin Chinese: 巫婆 (Wū Pó)
In Mandarin Chinese, the word for witch is “巫婆” (Wū Pó). The literal translation of “巫婆” is “witch elder woman,” but it is commonly used to refer to witches in general.
Formal: 巫婆 (Wū Pó)
Informal: 魔女 (Mó Nǚ) (more commonly used in informal contexts, meaning “sorceress” or “witch”)
Arabic: ساحرة (Sahira)
The Arabic language provides us with the word “ساحرة” (Sahira), translated as “witch.” This term is used formally and informally among Arabic-speaking communities.
Formal: ساحرة (Sahira)
Informal: عجوز (‘Ajooz) (slang term meaning “old woman,” often used informally for witch)
Korean: 마녀 (Manyeo)
In Korean, the word for witch is “마녀” (Manyeo). This term is used both formally and informally.
Formal: 마녀 (Manyeo)
Informal: 마녀씨 (Manyeossi) (affectionate and informal term)
Conclusion
Learning how to say “witch” in various languages is a captivating way to appreciate different cultures. Remember to use these terms thoughtfully and respectfully, as words can hold significant cultural meanings. Whether you choose the formal or informal term, embracing linguistic diversity allows you to better understand and connect with people from around the world.
