Translation guide
A mage is a magic user, often in fantasy settings. In Japanese, the most common term is 魔法使い (mahoutsukai), but other words exist depending on context, such as 魔術師 (majutsushi) for a more scholarly or formal mage, or 魔導士 (madoushi) in RPGs and anime.
A person who uses magic, typically in fantasy stories, games, or anime.
The most common and neutral term for a magic user. Suitable for most contexts, from children's stories to serious fantasy.
彼女は強力な魔法使いです。
She is a powerful mage.
その魔法使いは火の魔法を使う。
That mage uses fire magic.
Often implies a more scholarly, formal, or ritualistic magic user. Common in serious fantasy or historical settings.
彼は古代の魔術師の末裔だ。
He is a descendant of an ancient mage.
Used primarily in RPGs, anime, and light novels. Conveys a sense of a magic user in a game-like class system.
魔導士はパーティーに必須の職業だ。
A mage is an essential class for the party.
A mage as a wise man or sage, often associated with ancient knowledge or prophecy.
Means 'sage' or 'wise person'. Used when the mage is more of a philosopher or advisor than a spellcaster.
賢者は王に助言を与えた。
The mage gave counsel to the king.
Similar to 魔導士 but can imply a master or teacher of magic. Sometimes used for a mage who guides others.
魔導師は弟子に魔法の基礎を教えた。
The mage taught the basics of magic to his apprentice.
A mage as a stage magician or illusionist, performing tricks for entertainment.
Specifically a stage magician or illusionist. Not a fantasy magic user.
奇術師が観客の前でカードを消した。
The mage made a card disappear in front of the audience.
Another term for a stage magician, often used for close-up magic or sleight of hand.
魔法使い is the safest, most general term. 魔術師 sounds more formal and scholarly, often used in serious fantasy. 魔導士 is common in RPGs and anime for a magic-using class. Choose based on the tone of your context.
If you mean a stage magician who performs tricks, use 奇術師 or 手品師. Using 魔法使い for a stage magician would imply they use real magic, which is not the intended meaning.
The mage performed a trick where he made a coin disappear.