Kaibutsu
/kaɪˈbuːt.suː/noun
A Japanese term for a monster, strange creature, or supernatural being.
Did you know?The word is written 怪物: 怪 means “strange” or “uncanny,” while 物 means “thing” or “object,” making its original image less “beast” and more “unnatural thing.”
Etymological Timeline
Classical Chinese
Chinese
怪物
“A strange, uncanny, or extraordinary thing; later, a monster.”
Middle Chinese
Chinese
怪物
“The source reading behind the Sino-Japanese pronunciation; 怪 conveyed strangeness, while 物 meant a thing or entity.”
Old Japanese
Japanese
怪物
“The compound entered Japanese through Chinese writing and vocabulary, referring to an abnormal or monstrous being.”
Medieval Japanese
Japanese
kaibutsu
“A supernatural or grotesque creature in Buddhist, legendary, and folkloric contexts.”
Modern Japanese
Japanese
かいぶつ／怪物
“Monster, monstrous person, or extraordinary and intimidating entity.”
Modern English
English
kaibutsu
“A specialized loanword used in discussions of Japanese monsters, folklore, anime, manga, and popular culture.”