悪魔(あくま)

あくま
noun
devil, demon, evil spirit
1. devil, demon
A supernatural evil being, often associated with temptation and wickedness.
悪魔(あくま)が出(で)てくる話(はなし)だ。
It's a story where a devil appears.
To perform an exorcism ritual.
A devil appears in this movie.
Don't listen to the devil's whispers.
Figurative expression
It's a story about a devil tempting humans.
It's a story where demons and angels fight.
2. fiend, wicked person
A person who is extremely cruel or wicked.
悪魔(あくま)のような人(ひと)だ。
He's a devil of a person.
彼(かれ)は悪魔(あくま)のように冷酷(れいこく)だ。
He is as ruthless as a devil.
あの悪魔(あくま)のような行為(こうい)は許(ゆる)せない。
Such fiendish behavior is unforgivable.
He's a man who became a fiend for money.
彼(かれ)は悪魔(あくま)のような笑(え)みを浮(う)かべた。
He wore a devilish smile.

悪魔(あくま) primarily refers to Western-style devils and demons. Also used figuratively for cruel or wicked people.

Common patterns

Similar words

Cultural note

悪魔(あくま) is associated with Western religious concepts of evil. In Japanese folklore, the corresponding concept is 鬼(おに) or 妖怪(ようかい), which have different cultural connotations.