Japanese word

鬼

Pronunciation

Romajioni

Meaning

  • noundemon, ogre

Example

鬼は怖いです。oni wa kowa i de su

Demons are scary.

Illustration for 鬼 (demon)

More examples

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.

Core concept

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

Common phrases

  • 鬼のお面oni no o men

    demon mask

  • 鬼は外oni wa soto

    demons out

Similar words

妖怪yōkai: A supernatural being in Japanese folklore with various forms and traits.
魔物mamono: A supernatural creature often portrayed as hostile or harmful.
怪物kaibutsu: A frightening creature that differs from humans in appearance or nature.

Definition in Japanese

人々に恐れられ、悪事や災いをもたらすとされる怪物。hito bito ni oso re ra re aku ji ya wazawa i o mo ta ra su to sa re ru kai butsu

Word origin

The etymology of the Japanese noun 鬼 (oni, "demon") is uncertain, but the character 鬼 (ki, "ghost") was borrowed from Chinese for its written form.

Usage tips

  • 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.

Other meanings

  • oninoun

Word lists with this word