怪物(かいぶつ)

かいぶつ
noun
monster, creature
person
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

Similar words

Related Words

Related: 化(ば)け物(もの) (shapeshifting monster)
Related: 妖怪(ようかい) (supernatural creature)
Compare: モンスター (monster)
Compare: 魔物(まもの) (demon)
general
Added 2026.2.22 14:45 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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