魔
魔·demon, magic
- On-yomi
- マ
- Kun-yomi
- none
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 魔法 | まほう | magic |
| 悪魔 | あくま | devil, demon |
| 邪魔 | じゃま | hindrance, being in the way |
| 魔女 | まじょ | witch |
Example sentences
勉強の邪魔をしないでください。
べんきょうのじゃまをしないでください。
Please don't disturb me while I'm studying.
子供たちは魔法の話が大好きだ。
こどもたちはまほうのはなしがだいすきだ。
Children love stories about magic.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- 邪魔 is read じゃま — the 魔 keeps its マ reading.
- 邪魔 is an everyday word for 'a nuisance', with no demonic sense left in it.
Memory aid
Picture it
Hemp 麻 growing over a demon 鬼 — a demon lurking in the hemp field.
Vocabulary using this kanji
Quick check
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What does the kanji 魔 mean?