悪魔 – 4 Japanese words for Devil and the Difference between them

The main word for devil in Japanese is 悪魔あくま(akuma). But, the word devil in English does not mean exactly the same thing in Japanese. Depending on what you mean by devil the Japanese translation will be different. If you are referring to the devil, or satan in Christianity it will mean something different than just a demon or evil spirit, creature or whatever.

This is the most common word and most used word for devil. It refers to just a devil in the general sense and does not necessarily have the extra-religious nuance to it.

https://japaneseuniverse.com/2024/02/18/pac-man-in-japaneseconcepts-behind-development-to-global-icon/

If you want to talk about the Christian devil or Satan in Japanese you would say サタン. This name for devil obviously is as common since it is limited to the devil in Christianity

Another word for devil is 魔王まおう (Maō). This word refers to the devil as a ruler of Hell or Hades. This is actually a specific deity from Buddhism which is kind of like the leader of the different demons and monsters.

Finally, the most Japanese-like devil out of the bunch. An 鬼おに or Oni is a specific monster from Japanese folklore. It can be a red devil or even a blue devil. It can be translated as devil, demon, troll, or ogre but the best way to refer to it is Oni since it is a specific monster in its own right.

Now that you can talk about devils and demons, If you want to learn more Japanese I reviewed a dictionary of grammar series which I personally recommend and use myself.

I also have several other posts on various topics on Japanese Universe if you are interested.