Japanese word

魔法

Pronunciation

Romajimahō

Meaning

  • nounmagic

Example

彼は魔法を使います。kare wa ma hō o tsuka i ma su

He uses magic.

Illustration for 魔法 (magic)

More examples

魔法を使って、花を出します。ma hō o tsuka tte hana o da shi ma su

I use magic to make flowers appear.

その絵本には不思議な魔法が登場します。so no e hon ni wa fu shi gi na ma hō ga tō jō shi ma su

The picture book features mysterious magic.

Core concept

Centers on using hidden forces to cause effects beyond ordinary human ability.

Common phrases

  • 魔法を使うma hō o tsuka u

    use magic

  • 魔法をかけるma hō o ka ke ru

    cast a spell

  • 魔法にかかるma hō ni ka ka ru

    fall under a spell

Similar words

手品tejina: A staged performance that creates the appearance of impossible effects through tricks and skill.

Definition in Japanese

呪文などによって、通常の力では起こせない現象を起こす術。ju mon na do ni yo tte tsū jō no chikara de wa o ko se na i gen shō o o ko su jutsu

Word origin

The word 魔法 (mahō) combines the Sino-Japanese readings of 魔 (ma, "demon" or "evil spirit") and 法 (hō, "method" or "rule").

Usage tips

  • Japanese distinguishes 魔法 (mahō) from 手品 (tejina), which usually means the tricks performed by a stage magician.

Other meanings

  • spellnoun

Related words

  • 魔法的mahōtekimagicalna-adjective

Word lists with this word