1. Kanji Breakdown: 鬼
This kanji represents a powerful and fearsome supernatural creature from Japanese folklore.
Meaning: Ogre, demon, devil, ghost; also used to mean "extremely skilled" or "fierce."
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): キ (ki)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): おに (oni)
In Japanese folklore, an oni is a large, monstrous creature often depicted with horns, sharp claws, and wild hair, carrying an iron club (kanabō). They are typically seen as bringers of misfortune and punishment. However, the meaning can also be positive, implying someone is exceptionally dedicated or skilled, much like the English phrase "a demon at work."
2. Stroke Order and Writing
Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for writing this kanji correctly. "鬼" has 10 strokes.
Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:
Total Strokes: 10
Start with the top-left short diagonal stroke.
The vertical stroke down from the top.
The "mouth" component (口): A small square shape.
The "ム" shape component: A two-stroke element that looks like a slanted roof.
The long left-falling diagonal stroke.
The right-falling stroke that curves slightly.
The final hook (はね) at the bottom.
Key Writing Tips:
The top part (the "white" 白 component) should be centered.
The final three strokes (5, 6, 7) form the lower part of the character and give it a wide, stable base.
The final hook (stroke 7) is a distinctive feature of this kanji.
3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences
Here are some common words using "鬼" and how to use them in sentences.
Vocabulary
鬼 (おに, oni)
Meaning: Ogre, demon.
Example: 節分には「鬼は外！福は内！」と言います。
Romaji: Setsubun ni wa "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" to iimasu.
English: On Setsubun, we say, "Demons out! Good fortune in!"
鬼ごっこ (おにごっこ, onigokko)
Meaning: Tag (the children's game). The "oni" is "it."
Example: 子供たちが公園で鬼ごっこをしている。
Romaji: Kodomo-tachi ga kōen de onigokko o shiteiru.
English: The children are playing tag in the park.
鬼気 (きき, kiki)
Meaning: A frightening or eerie atmosphere; a fierce spirit.
Example: 彼の目は鬼気迫るものだった。
Romaji: Kare no me wa kiki semaru mono datta.
English: There was a fierce, terrifying look in his eyes.
鬼神 (きしん, kishin)
Meaning: Fierce god; demon god.
Example: その戦士は鬼神のごとく戦った。
Romaji: Sono senshi wa kishin no gotoku tatakatta.
English: That warrior fought like a fierce god.
鬼才 (きさい, kisai)
Meaning: A person of demonic genius; a prodigious talent.
Example: 彼はまさに鬼才と呼ぶにふさわしいアーティストだ。
Romaji: Kare wa masani kisai to yobu ni fusawashii ātisuto da.
English: He is truly an artist worthy of being called a demonic genius.
鬼教官 (おにきょうかん, oni kyōkan)
Meaning: A demon instructor; a brutally strict teacher or drill sergeant.
Example: トレーニングキャンプの鬼教官が怖かった。
Romaji: Torēningu kyanpu no oni kyōkan ga kowakatta.
English: The drill sergeant at the training camp was scary.
Summary
Kanji: 鬼
Core Meaning: Ogre, Demon (can also imply fierceness or extreme skill).
Readings: On'yomi キ (ki), Kun'yomi おに (oni)
Stroke Order: 10 strokes. Pay close attention to the final hook.
This kanji is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and appears in many idioms and compound words. Mastering it will help you understand everything from traditional folklore to modern expressions describing intensity and skill.