魔(ま)

Refers to demons, evil forces, and dark magic. Extremely productive in compounds. The expression 魔(ま)が差(さ)す (literally 'the devil slipped in') is one of the most common everyday uses.

Key expression

魔(ま)が差(さ)す — to be momentarily tempted; to act on a sudden impulse (usually to do something wrong). Used to explain uncharacteristic bad behavior.

Compounds

• 魔王(まおう) — demon king
• 魔法(まほう) — magic, sorcery
• 魔女(まじょ) — witch
• 魔物(まもの) — demon, monster
• 魔力(まりょく) — magical power
• 悪魔(あくま) — devil, demon
• 睡魔(すいま) — drowsiness (literally 'sleep demon')
• 魔除(まよ)け — charm against evil, talisman

Common collocations

• 魔(ま)が差(さ)す — to have a moment of weakness
• 魔(ま)の手(て) — the clutches of evil
• 魔(ま)の力(ちから) — demonic/dark power
• 魔(ま)の時間帯(じかんたい) — the 'witching hour' (dangerous period)

Similar words

• 鬼(おに) — ogre, demon (more Japanese folklore, less supernatural evil)
• 悪魔(あくま) — devil (specifically the Devil or a demon in the Christian sense)