Translation guide
The English verb "exorcise" refers to driving out evil spirits or demons, often through religious or ritual means. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific verbs and phrases tied to Shinto, Buddhist, or folk practices. The most common and direct equivalent is 祓う (harau), but other terms exist for different contexts.
To expel evil spirits, demons, or negative influences through a ritual or spiritual practice.
The most common and direct verb for exorcising evil spirits or impurities, often used in Shinto contexts. Can also mean to purify or cleanse.
神主が悪霊を祓った。
The Shinto priest exorcised the evil spirit.
お祓いをしてもらう。
To have an exorcism performed.
A more literal phrase meaning 'to drive out evil spirits'. It is straightforward and can be used in both religious and secular contexts.
その儀式は悪霊を追い出すために行われる。
The ritual is performed to exorcise evil spirits.
A more formal or technical term for exorcism, often used in spiritual or paranormal contexts. It specifically means 'to remove spirits'.
除霊の儀式を行った。
They performed an exorcism ritual.
A Buddhist term meaning to subdue or exorcise evil spirits through prayer or ritual power. It implies a more aggressive spiritual confrontation.
僧侶が悪魔を調伏した。
The monk exorcised the demon.
To cleanse a location or individual of spiritual impurity or negative energy, often as a preventive measure.
Means to purify or cleanse, often used in Shinto rituals for places or people. It focuses on removing impurity rather than specifically expelling spirits.
A common phrase meaning 'to perform a purification/exorcism'. It is the noun form of 祓う and is widely understood.
新築の家をお祓いしてもらった。
We had the new house exorcised/purified.
To drive out demons specifically within Christian practice.
The standard term for Christian exorcism. It literally means 'demon exorcism' and is used for the rite of exorcism.
神父が悪魔祓いを行った。
The priest performed an exorcism.
A loanword from English 'exorcism', used as a verb. It is understood but less common than native terms.
映画でエクソシズムするシーンがあった。
There was a scene of exorcising in the movie.
祓う (harau) specifically implies driving out evil spirits or impurities, while 清める (kiyomeru) focuses on purification and cleansing without necessarily targeting spirits. In many Shinto rituals, both concepts overlap, but 祓う is closer to 'exorcise'.
Avoid directly translating 'exorcise' as エクソシズムする in formal or traditional contexts; it sounds unnatural. Use 祓う or 悪魔祓いする instead.