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 NOTES:
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:

  • 化(ば)け物(もの) — a shape-shifting monster from Japanese folklore
  • 怪物(かいぶつ) — a monster or prodigy (can refer to people with extraordinary ability)
  • 悪魔(あくま) — devil, specifically evil
  • 妖怪(ようかい) — supernatural creatures from Japanese tradition

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 魔物(まもの)を倒(たお)す (defeat a monster)
  • 魔物(まもの)が潜(ひそ)む (a jinx/unpredictable force lurks)
  • 魔物(まもの)が棲(す)む (a jinx inhabits)

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."

general
Added 2026.3.4 13:30
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