マジック

まじっく
noun
magic; permanent marker
1. magic, magic trick
Magic performances, illusions, or tricks. Refers to stage magic or sleight-of-hand entertainment rather than supernatural powers.
マジックを()せてくれた。
They showed me a magic trick.
テレビのマジック番組(ばんぐみ)子供(こども)人気(にんき)だ。
Magic shows on TV are popular with children.
プロのマジシャンが披露(ひろう)するマジックに観客(かんきゃく)(いき)()んだ。
The audience held their breath at the magic performed by the professional magician.
2. permanent marker, felt-tip marker
A thick felt-tip pen used for writing on various surfaces. Short for マジックインキ (Magic Ink), a major brand name that became the generic term in Japanese.
マジックで名前(なまえ)()いてください。
Please write your name with a marker.
(あか)いマジックで(まる)をつける。
Circle it with a red marker.
ダンボールにマジックで住所(じゅうしょ)(おお)きく()いた。
I wrote the address in large letters on the cardboard box with a marker.

USAGE: マジック has two distinct meanings in Japanese that are both very common.

Sense 1 (magic): Refers to magic performances and tricks, not supernatural magic (which is 魔法(まほう)).

Sense 2 (marker): Short for マジックインキ (Magic Ink), a brand name that became genericized, similar to how "Sharpie" is used in American English. This is the standard everyday word for a permanent marker in Japanese.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • マジックを()せる (to show a magic trick)
  • マジック番組(ばんぐみ) (magic show)
  • マジックで()く (to write with a marker)
  • 油性(ゆせい)マジック (oil-based permanent marker)
  • (あか)マジック (red marker)