Translation and Meaning of: 幽霊 - yuurei

The Japanese word 「幽霊」 (yuurei) refers to spirits or ghosts in the context of Japanese culture. The etymology of the word is composed of two kanji: 「幽」 (yuu), which means "haunting" or "dark", and 「霊」 (rei), which means "spirit" or "soul". Together, they form the idea of a spirit that wanders between the world of the living and the dead, usually in search of resolving pending matters or expressing unreciprocated feelings.

The origin of the 「幽霊」 dates back to ancient Japanese beliefs influenced by the animism of Shintoism and the Buddhist concept of reincarnation and karma. Traditionally, it is believed that a yuurei is the spirit of a person who died under tragic conditions, such as murder, suicide, or accident, and who could not pass into the afterlife in peace due to strong emotions of resentment, love, or regret. These souls remain trapped in our world until they resolve their afflictions or are guided to the afterlife.

Cultural Elements and Appearances

• 「白装束」 (shiroshouzoku): The yuurei are often depicted wearing white garments, which are traditionally used in Japanese funerals, symbolizing purity and mourning.
• "Yuureiga" (幽霊画): They appear in many paintings, literature, and theater, especially in kabuki theater, where there are iconic plays involving vengeful spirits.
• "盆踊り" (bonodori): During the Obon festival, it is believed that the souls of the ancestors return to visit their families, which demonstrates the coexistence between the living and the dead.

The stories of 「幽霊」 remain influential in contemporary pop culture, inspiring countless movies, books, and anime. Many of these accounts often depict yuurei as vengeful entities, but other narratives explore the idea of benevolent spirits, seeking only to reconnect with loved ones or finish unfinished business. This duality highlights the complexity of the relationship between the living and the spiritual world in Japan, enriching local culture and folklore with such fascinating narratives.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• お化け (obake) - Ghost, spirit, often referring to an apparition or a monster; in some contexts, it can be more playful.
• ゆうれい (yūrei) - Spirit or ghost of a person who died without peace; often associated with haunting stories.
• 亡霊 (bōrei) - Spirit of someone who died, usually referring to a ghost that is remembered or has a connection with the living.
• 幽魂 (yūkon) - Spirit or soul that has not found rest, similar to a yūrei, but may imply a more lasting state of unrest.
• 霊魂 (reikon) - Soul or spirit, used in more philosophical or spiritual contexts, refers to the nature of the soul in general.

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幽霊

Romaji: yuurei
Kana: ゆうれい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: ghost; spectrum; apparition; spectrum

Meaning in English: ghost;specter;apparition;phantom

Definition: Spirits of the forest, immaterial beings.

Example Sentences - (幽霊) yuurei

See below some example sentences:

幽霊が出るところには行きたくないです。

Yūrei ga deru tokoro ni wa ikitakunai desu

I don't want to go where the ghosts come out.

• 幽霊 - Ghost
• が - subject particle
• 出る - Appear
• ところ - place
• には - focus particle
• 行きたくない - not wanting to go
• です - Sentence-ending particle