悪魔 — meaning in English: Demon

akuma · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for devil

悪魔

akuma

人

hito

リミット

rimitto

理由

riyū

駅

eki

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Japanese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 悪魔 (akuma) in discussions about folklore, horror stories, or during Halloween when describing supernatural beings. In casual conversation, someone might playfully call a mischievous child an akuma, especially in a light-hearted context.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 鬼 (oni), which refers to ogres or demons in Japanese mythology. While both terms imply evil, 鬼 (oni) often has a more physical representation in folklore, whereas 悪魔 (akuma) can refer to a broader range of malevolent entities, including those in religious contexts.

Culture

The concept of 悪魔 (akuma) is deeply rooted in Japanese folklore, often representing evil spirits or malevolent beings. Interestingly, the word can also take on a metaphorical sense, describing people who exhibit particularly cruel or selfish behavior, showcasing the flexibility of the term in modern usage.

FAQ

Q.What does 悪魔 (akuma) mean in English?

悪魔 (akuma) translates to 'demon' in English and is used to denote malevolent supernatural beings in Japanese mythology.

Q.How is 悪魔 (akuma) used in literature?

In literature, 悪魔 (akuma) often symbolizes temptation and moral challenges faced by characters, serving as a narrative device to explore themes of good versus evil.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 悪魔 (akuma)?

A common mistake is to confuse 悪魔 (akuma) with 鬼 (oni); while both refer to evil entities, they have different cultural connotations and uses.

Learn japanese with Maspeak →

Japanese 2000