How to say 'Demon' or 'Ogre' in Japanese | 鬼

Wondering how to say 'Demon' or 'Ogre' in Japanese? You're in the right place!

The Japanese word for Demon or Ogre is 'Oni', written as 鬼 in Japanese.'Demon' or 'Ogre' in hiragana is おに.

word

鬼

Meaning

Demon, Ogre

Reading

おに

oni

Kanji

鬼Demon, Ogre

Explanation

The Japanese noun '鬼 (おに)' refers to a mythical creature often depicted as a demon or ogre in Japanese folklore. These beings are typically portrayed as fearsome, with horns, sharp claws, and wild hair. They are often associated with evil or mischief but can also symbolize strength and perseverance. In modern contexts, '鬼' is sometimes used metaphorically to describe someone who is exceptionally strict or relentless, such as a demanding coach or boss. Example sentences: The demon is scary「鬼は怖い」(おにはこわい). My boss is a real ogre「私の上司は本当に鬼だ」(わたしのじょうしはほんとうにおにだ). In festivals, people dress up as demons「祭りで鬼の格好をする人もいる」(まつりでおにのかっこうをするひともいる).

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

2437

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

Kanji in the Word 鬼

This word contains 1 kanji character:

kanji

鬼

Meaning

Demon, Ogre

Words Related to 鬼 Through the Kanji 鬼

This Word contains the Kanji 鬼 as well.

word

餓鬼

Meaning

Brat

Learn the Word 鬼

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What does 'Oni' (鬼) mean?

'Oni' means 'Demon' or 'Ogre' .

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