怪物(かいぶつ)

かいぶつ
noun
monster, creature
1. monster, mysterious creature
A strange or fearsome creature, either from folklore, fiction, or the imagination. An unidentifiable being that inspires fear or wonder.
怪物(かいぶつ)が現(あらわ)れた。
A monster appeared.
湖(みずうみ)に怪物(かいぶつ)がいるという伝説(でんせつ)がある。
There is a legend that a monster lives in the lake.
その映画(えいが)は、科学者(かがくしゃ)が生(う)み出(だ)した怪物(かいぶつ)が街(まち)を破壊(はかい)するという話(はなし)だ。
The movie is about a monster created by a scientist that destroys the city.
2. extraordinary person, larger-than-life figure
A person of extraordinary ability or influence, often used for powerful figures in politics, business, or sports. Can carry a nuance of being formidable or beyond normal human measure.
彼(かれ)は政界(せいかい)の怪物(かいぶつ)だ。
He is a monster of the political world.
あの選手(せんしゅ)は体力(たいりょく)も技術(ぎじゅつ)も桁外(けたはず)れで、まさに怪物(かいぶつ)だ。
That athlete's stamina and skill are off the charts — a true monster.
長年(ながねん)にわたって業界(ぎょうかい)を支配(しはい)してきた怪物(かいぶつ)のような経営者(けいえいしゃ)が、ついに引退(いんたい)を発表(はっぴょう)した。
The monstrous business leader who had dominated the industry for many years finally announced his retirement.

USAGE:
In sense 1, 怪物(かいぶつ) refers to mysterious, fearsome creatures from myths, legends, or fiction. Unlike 化(ば)け物(もの), which often implies a transformed or shapeshifting being, 怪物(かいぶつ) emphasizes strangeness and monstrousness.

In sense 2, 怪物(かいぶつ) describes people of extraordinary power or ability — often with a mix of admiration and awe. Common in journalism and sports commentary.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 怪物(かいぶつ)が現(あらわ)れる: a monster appears
  • 怪物(かいぶつ)退治(たいじ): monster slaying
  • 政界(せいかい)の怪物(かいぶつ): a political heavyweight
  • 怪物(かいぶつ)的(てき)な: monstrous, extraordinary

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 怪物(かいぶつ): monster (strange and powerful creature or person)
  • 化(ば)け物(もの): monster, ghost (often implies transformation)
  • 妖怪(ようかい): supernatural creature from Japanese folklore

Related Words

Related: 化(ば)け物(もの) (shapeshifting monster)
general
Added 2026.2.22 14:45
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