1.
demon, ogre
A supernatural creature in Japanese folklore.
鬼ごっこをする。
To play tag.
鬼が出てくる話を読んだ。
I read a story where demons appear.
桃太郎が鬼を退治した。
Momotaro defeated the demons.
節分には豆をまいて鬼を追い払う。
During Setsubun, we scatter beans to drive away demons.
子どもの頃、鬼が出てくる話が怖くて、夜一人で寝られなかった。
When I was a child, stories about demons were so scary that I couldn't sleep alone at night.
2.
fierce person
Someone who is very strict or scary.
仕事の鬼だ。
A demon for work (a workaholic).
鬼のような先生だ。
The teacher is very strict.
心を鬼にして、厳しいことを言った。
I steeled myself and said something harsh.
あの監督は練習の鬼で、毎日厳しく指導する。
That coach is a demon for practice and gives harsh instruction every day.
彼は仕事の鬼と呼ばれていて、休みの日も会社に来ることがある。
He is called a workaholic and sometimes comes to the office even on his days off.
鬼 refers to Japanese demons.
IN FOLKLORE:
Oni are typically depicted with horns, wild hair, and carrying iron clubs.
EXPRESSIONS:
- 鬼ごっこ: tag (children's game)
- 心を鬼にする: to steel oneself
- 鬼に金棒: making something strong even stronger
SETSUBUN:
During Setsubun, people throw beans to drive away 鬼.