1.
yaksha, demon, fierce spirit
A class of supernatural being from Indian mythology, adopted into Buddhism. In Japanese, 夜叉 typically refers to a fierce, terrifying demonic being, though in the original Indian tradition yaksha could be either benevolent or malevolent.
夜叉のような形相だった。
The expression on their face was like that of a demon.
仏教の経典には夜叉が登場する。
Yaksha appear in Buddhist scriptures.
その武将は戦場では夜叉のように戦ったと伝えられている。
It is said that the general fought like a demon on the battlefield.
2.
fierce person, demon-like person
Used figuratively to describe someone who is terrifyingly fierce, ruthless, or relentless.
その武将は戦場では夜叉のように戦ったと伝えられている。
It is said that the general fought like a demon on the battlefield.
怒ると夜叉のようになる。
When angry, they become like a demon.
彼女は普段は優しいが、仕事になると夜叉に変わる。
She's usually gentle, but when it comes to work she transforms into a demon.
あの監督は鬼か夜叉かと言われるほど厳しい。
That coach is said to be so strict that people call them an ogre or a demon.
USAGE:
Most commonly used in similes: 夜叉のように (like a demon), 夜叉のような形相 (a demonic expression). The word conveys a sense of terrifying ferocity.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 夜叉のような: demon-like
- 夜叉のような形相: demonic expression
CULTURAL NOTE:
From Sanskrit "yakṣa." In Japanese Buddhism and folklore, 夜叉 is one of the 八部衆 (eight classes of supernatural protectors of Buddhism). The word appears in literary works such as 泉鏡花's novel 高野聖.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 鬼: ogre, demon (native Japanese concept)
- 悪魔: devil, demon (Christian-influenced concept)