English–Japanese

“ogre” in Japanese

Japanese

Pronunciation

Romajioni

Example

鬼は怖いです。oni wa kowa i de su

Demons are scary.

Illustration for 鬼 (ogre)

How to say “ogre” in Japanese

“Ogre” in Japanese is 鬼 (oni). 鬼 can also mean “demon”.

It describes a supernatural creature that represents a threatening force beyond the control of ordinary people.

Full entry for 鬼: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with 鬼

これは鬼のお面です。ko re wa oni no o men de su

This is an ogre mask.

節分には鬼のお面をかぶる人もいます。setsu bun ni wa oni no o men o ka bu ru hito mo i ma su

At Setsubun, some people wear demon masks.

Tips for using 鬼

  • In Japanese folklore, 鬼 (oni) is associated with the Setsubun custom of throwing beans, so the word can evoke a seasonal tradition as well as a frightening creature.

Related English words

“ogre” in other languages