魔物(まもの)

まもの
noun
demon; monster; evil spirit
1. demon; monster; evil spirit
A supernatural creature that brings harm or misfortune. Used in folklore, fantasy fiction, and games.
森(もり)に魔物(まもの)が住(す)んでいる。
A monster lives in the forest.
勇者(ゆうしゃ)が魔物(まもの)を倒(たお)した。
The hero defeated the monster.
伝説(でんせつ)によると、この山(やま)には恐(おそ)ろしい魔物(まもの)が封(ふう)じられているという。
According to legend, a terrifying demon is sealed in this mountain.
2. an unpredictable force; something bewitching
Used figuratively for an unseen force that disrupts outcomes, especially in sports or competitions. Also for something that has a dangerous allure.
勝負(しょうぶ)には魔物(まもの)が潜(ひそ)む。
Competitions have an unpredictable element lurking within them.
本番(ほんばん)には魔物(まもの)がいると言(い)われている。
They say there's a jinx lurking in live performances.
オリンピックには魔物(まもの)が棲(す)んでいるとよく言(い)われるが、今回(こんかい)もまさにそうだった。
People often say there's a jinx at the Olympics, and this time was no exception.

Usage

魔物(まもの) appears frequently in fantasy games, anime, and folklore. In sense 2, it is a common sports/competition metaphor meaning that unexpected things happen under pressure.

Similar words

Common collocations

The figurative sense 2 is a set expression in sports commentary: 勝負(しょうぶ)には魔物(まもの)が潜(ひそ)む means "anything can happen in a competition."

Related Words

Compare: 化(ば)け物(もの) (a shape-shifting monster from Japanese…)
Compare: 怪物(かいぶつ) (a monster or prodigy)
Compare: 悪魔(あくま) (devil, specifically evil)
Compare: 妖怪(ようかい) (supernatural creatures from Japanese…)
Related: 怪獣(かいじゅう) (monster)
general
Added 2026.3.4 13:30 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
14500/14842_mamono