魔術|まじゅつmajutsu[1]atamadaka (head-high)

1. nounmagic; sorcery; witchcraft
   男おとこは魔術まじゅつで少女しょうじょを恐おそれさせた。↗

   The man awed the girl with his magic tricks.
2. nounmagic tricks (with large-scale props)

• Synonym魔法まほうNeutralThe most common word: magic worked by mystical power, also used figuratively for wondrous effects, as in fairy tales and games; 「魔術」 also covers large-scale stage magic.
• SynonymマジックNeutralMostly stage magic performances; also felt-tip markers and magic numbers. 「魔術」 sounds more mysterious and suits written prose.
• Synonym呪術じゅじゅつWrittenWritten/formal: sorcery that works on gods, demons, or natural forces via specific acts; found in anthropology and religious contexts; not stage magic.
• Related手品てじなNeutralTricks done by sleight of hand, large or small; the most common everyday word. 「魔術」 also means mystical sorcery.
• Related奇術きじゅつWrittenWritten/formal: stage magic performances, rather formal; often seen in 「奇術師」. Everyday speech prefers 「手品」 or 「マジック」.
• Related幻術げんじゅつWrittenWritten/formal: eerie magic or tricks that beguile the eye; old-fashioned, mostly in novels. In everyday speech say 「手品」.
• Related妖術ようじゅつWrittenWritten/formal: eerie, evil magic with a negative tinge; 「魔術」 is more neutral and can also mean stage magic.

In everyday speech, 「手品」 or 「マジック」 for stage magic and 「魔法」 for mystical power; 「魔術」 covers both with a more mysterious tone. In writing, 「呪術」 for religious sorcery, 「幻術」 for illusions in fiction, 「奇術」 for formal stage magic, 「妖術」 for evil black magic.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 人ひとを惑まどわす不思議ふしぎな術じゅつ。
2. 手品てじな。特とくに大掛おおがかりなもの。