Definitions

(noun) demon; devil
(noun) magic; sorcery

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "魔", signifying demon or evil spirit, emerged from the translation of Buddhist terminology, particularly the Sanskrit "māra", with its structure combining the semantic radical "鬼" meaning ghost or spirit and the phonetic component "麻" to approximate sound. Initially denoting specific Buddhist tempter figures, its meaning gradually expanded to encompass a broader spectrum of malevolent supernatural entities within Chinese cultural narratives. Over time, the term's association further evolved to incorporate concepts of magic and witchcraft, evident in modern compounds such as "魔法" for magical arts, while its structural integrity, with "鬼" consistently conveying the supernatural realm, has remained unchanged throughout these semantic shifts.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他喜欢看术表演。

Tā xǐhuān kàn móshù biǎoyǎn.

He likes to watch magic shows.

这个童话里有善良的鬼。

Zhège tónghuà li yǒu shànliáng de móguǐ.

There is a kind devil in this fairy tale.

那部电影充满了幻色彩。

Nà bù diànyǐng chōngmǎn le móhuàn sècǎi.

That movie is full of fantasy elements.

新的电子游戏让他着了。

Xīn de diànzǐ yóuxì ràng tā zháomó le.

The new video game has him obsessed.

古老的传说讲述了山里的恶

Gǔlǎo de chuánshuō jiǎngshù le shān lǐ de èmó.

The ancient legend tells of a demon in the mountains.

这个角色被王控制了思想。

Zhège juésè bèi mó wáng kòngzhì le sīxiǎng.

This character's mind is controlled by the Demon King.

音乐似乎有一种奇特的力。

Yīnyuè sìhū yǒu yī zhǒng qítè de mólì.

Music seems to possess a peculiar magical power.

他努力战胜自己的心,保持冷静。

Tā nǔlì zhànshèng zìjǐ de xīnmó, bǎochí lěngjìng.

He strives to overcome his inner demons and remain calm.