1. Kanji Breakdown: 魔
This kanji represents a powerful and often malevolent supernatural force.
Meaning: Demon, devil, evil spirit; magic, an evil influence, an obsession.
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): マ (ma)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): None in common modern use.
The kanji is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字). It consists of two parts:
Top (麻): This means "hemp" or "flax," but here it primarily serves as a phonetic component, giving the "ma" sound. In some interpretations, the disorienting effects of hemp were associated with mysterious or supernatural experiences.
Bottom (鬼): This means "ogre," "demon," or "ghost."
Thus, the character literally combines the concept of a "mysterious/hemp" (麻) with a "demon" (鬼), creating the meaning of a "mysterious demon" or a supernatural, evil entity.
2. Stroke Order and Writing
Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and beautiful kanji. "魔" has 21 strokes.
Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:
Total Strokes: 21
Start with the top part "麻":
Then, write the bottom part "鬼":
Key Writing Tips:
Write from top to bottom, left to right.
The top part "麻" is wide and complex. Break it down into the top (广) and the bottom (林).
The bottom part "鬼" should be centered under the "麻". It is also complex, so practice it separately.
Due to its high stroke count, careful spacing is key to keeping the character legible and balanced.
3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences
Here are some common words using "魔" and how to use them in sentences.
Vocabulary
魔法 (まほう, mahō)
Meaning: Magic, sorcery.
Example: この物語には魔法が登場する。
Romaji: Kono monogatari ni wa mahō ga tōjō suru.
English: Magic appears in this story.
悪魔 (あくま, akuma)
Meaning: Devil, demon.
Example: 彼は心の中の悪魔と戦っている。
Romaji: Kare wa kokoro no naka no akuma to tatakatte iru.
English: He is fighting the devil inside his heart.
魔術 (まじゅつ, majutsu)
Meaning: Sorcery, black magic (often with a darker connotation than 魔法).
Example: その魔術師は危険な力を持っている。
Romaji: Sono majutsu-shi wa kiken na chikara o motte iru.
English: That sorcerer possesses dangerous power.
夢魔 (むま, muma)
Meaning: Incubus, succubus; a nightmare demon.
Example: 夢魔に襲われる悪夢を見た。
Romaji: Muma ni osowareru akumu o mita.
English: I had a nightmare of being attacked by an incubus.
魔物 (まもの, mamono)
Meaning: Monster, fiend, demonic creature.
Example: 洞窟には強い魔物が棲んでいるという。
Romaji: Dōkutsu ni wa tsuyoi mamono ga sunde iru to iu.
English: They say a powerful monster lives in the cave.
魔が差す (まがさす, ma ga sasu)
Meaning: To be tempted by the devil; to have an evil impulse come over one.
Example: つい魔が差して嘘をついてしまった。
Romaji: Tsui ma ga sashite uso o tsuite shimatta.
English: An evil impulse came over me and I ended up telling a lie.
Summary
Kanji: 魔
Core Meaning: Demon, Devil, Evil Spirit; Magic.
Readings: On'yomi マ (ma)
Stroke Order: 21 strokes. It is a complex character composed of 麻 (top) and 鬼 (bottom). Practice each part separately.
This kanji is essential for vocabulary related to the supernatural, fantasy, and dark influences. By mastering its stroke order and vocabulary, you will be able to correctly write and use this powerful character.