Translation guide
The act of driving out evil spirits or demons. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific religious and folk practices, with terms varying by tradition (Shinto, Buddhist, or folk). The most common and general term is 悪魔祓い (akuma barai), but other words are used depending on the context and method.
To refer to the act of expelling demons or evil spirits in a general sense, often in a religious or supernatural context.
The most common and widely understood term for exorcism, literally 'demon expulsion'. Used in both religious and popular contexts.
その神父は悪魔祓いを行った。
The priest performed an exorcism.
A more technical or literary term for exorcism, often used in religious or academic contexts. Can also refer to the ritual itself.
祓魔の儀式が始まった。
The exorcism ritual began.
Loanword from English, used mainly in reference to Western exorcism, especially in movies or literature. Not commonly used in everyday Japanese.
ホラー映画でエクソシスムのシーンがあった。
There was an exorcism scene in the horror movie.
To refer to exorcism or spiritual cleansing within the Shinto tradition, often involving rituals to remove impurities or evil influences.
A general term for purification or exorcism in Shinto. It can refer to both personal purification and the expulsion of evil spirits. Often part of compound words.
神社でお祓いを受けた。
I received a purification ritual at the shrine.
The Great Purification ritual, a specific Shinto ceremony performed twice a year to cleanse the entire population of sins and impurities. Not a personal exorcism but a communal purification.
Ritual purification by water, often involving standing under a waterfall or washing in a river. While not strictly 'exorcism', it is a form of spiritual cleansing to remove impurity.
To refer to exorcism practices in Japanese Buddhism or folk traditions, often involving sutras, spells, or charms.
A Buddhist term for subduing evil spirits or enemies through prayer and ritual. It implies controlling or vanquishing malevolent forces.
僧侶が悪霊を調伏した。
The monk exorcised the evil spirit.
A general term for incantations and prayers used in esoteric Buddhism for healing or exorcism. Often involves mantras and mudras.
加持祈祷によって病気を治そうとした。
They tried to cure the illness through incantations and prayers.
A folk practice of exorcising possessing spirits, often performed by a shaman or spiritual healer. Literally 'dropping the possessing thing'.
彼女は憑き物落としの儀式を受けた。
She underwent a ritual to remove the possessing spirit.
To use 'exorcism' metaphorically, such as exorcising one's demons or past traumas.
Literally 'to exorcise a demon', but can be used figuratively to mean confronting and overcoming inner demons or psychological struggles.
彼は心の悪魔を祓うためにカウンセリングを受けた。
He underwent counseling to exorcise his inner demons.
Means 'to settle one's past' or 'to come to terms with the past'. Used when someone wants to metaphorically exorcise past mistakes or traumas.
彼は過去を清算して新しい人生を始めた。
He exorcised his past and started a new life.
悪魔祓い is the most general and widely understood term for exorcism, suitable for both Western and Japanese contexts. 祓い is specifically Shinto purification, often preventive rather than dramatic expulsion. 調伏 is a Buddhist term for subduing evil, often through ritual power. Choose based on the religious context or use 悪魔祓い for a neutral term.
While エクソシスム exists, it is rarely used outside of references to Western horror films. In most contexts, it's better to use 悪魔祓い or a more specific term depending on the tradition.
大祓は六月と十二月に行われる。
The Great Purification is performed in June and December.
He performed a purification ritual under the waterfall.