How to say "magic" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 魔法まほうno-adjectiveCovers magic as a supernatural force or spell — the wizardry of fairy tales and fantasy. When 'magic' means magical power rather than a stage trick, this is the usual word.
- nounThe loanword from English; it is used for magic as entertainment — stage shows, tricks, illusions — alongside 手品. For magic as a supernatural power, 魔法 is the usual word.
- 魔術まじゅつnounSorcery or witchcraft; a weightier, more occult-sounding word than 魔法. Use it when 'magic' carries that sorcerous, black-arts nuance rather than the everyday supernatural sense of 魔法.
- 呪術じゅじゅつnounMagic worked through incantations and curses — ritual spell-casting with a strongly occult, often malevolent flavor. It is seldom the word you want for 'magic' generally; it really means curse-craft and sorcery of that kind.
- 手品てじなnounStage magic: conjuring, sleight of hand and tricks performed for an audience. When 'magic' means a magician's performance rather than supernatural power, this — or マジック — is the word.
Use 魔法 for magic as supernatural power or spells, 「マジック」 or 手品 for magic as stage entertainment, 魔術 for sorcery with a heavier occult tone, and 呪術 only for curse-and-incantation magic.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
This browser can't play pronunciations (needs Safari 18.4 or later, or Chrome / Edge / Firefox).
