Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'witchcraft' is expressed through several terms that carry different cultural and historical nuances. The most common modern term is 魔術 (majutsu), which broadly covers magic and sorcery. For Western-style witchcraft, ウィッチクラフト (witchikurafuto) is used as a loanword. Traditional Japanese folk magic is often called 呪術 (jujutsu), while 魔法 (mahō) is more general 'magic' often used in fantasy contexts.
The broad concept of using supernatural powers to influence events, often in a neutral or fantasy sense.
The most direct and common translation for 'witchcraft' in a general sense, covering magic, sorcery, and occult practices. It can be used for both Western and Eastern traditions.
彼女は魔術を使って敵を倒した。
She used witchcraft to defeat her enemies.
魔術の歴史について研究している。
I'm researching the history of witchcraft.
Commonly means 'magic' in a broad sense, often used in fantasy and fairy tales. It can overlap with 'witchcraft' but is less specifically tied to witches.
魔法の杖を使って呪文を唱えた。
She chanted a spell using a magic wand.
Refers to bewitching or supernatural arts, often with a connotation of seduction or illusion. More literary or historical.
狐の妖術に騙された。
I was deceived by the fox's witchcraft.
Specifically referring to the practice of witchcraft as a modern religious or spiritual path, often associated with Wicca.
Loanword from English, used to refer specifically to Western witchcraft traditions, especially modern Wicca and neopaganism.
彼女はウィッチクラフトを実践している。
She practices witchcraft.
Literally 'witch art', this term directly ties the practice to witches (魔女). It is used in contexts discussing Western witchcraft.
魔女術の儀式に参加した。
I participated in a witchcraft ritual.
Referring to indigenous Japanese practices involving spells, curses, and supernatural manipulation, often with historical or folkloric roots.
Covers traditional Japanese magic, sorcery, and spell-casting, including curses and protective charms. Often used in historical or occult contexts.
呪術を使って人を呪う。
To curse someone using witchcraft.
この村には古い呪術の伝統が残っている。
Old traditions of witchcraft remain in this village.
Specifically means 'curse' or 'spell', often used in the context of harmful witchcraft. It can refer to the act or the result.
呪いをかける。
To cast a curse (witchcraft).
Refers to folk magic, charms, or incantations, often for good luck or healing. Less sinister than 呪術.
Witchcraft used for malicious purposes, such as cursing or hexing.
Literally 'black magic', this is the standard term for harmful or malevolent witchcraft.
黒魔術の儀式で悪魔を召喚した。
They summoned a demon through black magic (witchcraft).
Means 'wicked arts' or 'evil sorcery', a more literary term for black magic.
邪術によって村が滅びた。
The village was destroyed by evil witchcraft.
魔術 (majutsu) is the closest to 'witchcraft' in a general sense, often implying occult or ritualistic practices. 魔法 (mahō) is broader 'magic' common in fantasy and children's stories, not necessarily tied to witches. 呪術 (jujutsu) is specifically traditional Japanese sorcery, often involving curses and spells, and can carry a darker nuance.
While 魔女 (majo) means 'witch', combining it with 技術 (gijutsu, 'technique') to form 魔女の技術 is not a natural expression for 'witchcraft'. Use established terms like 魔術 or ウィッチクラフト instead.
病気を治すまじないを教えてもらった。
I was taught a witchcraft charm to cure illness.