Yaoguai
/ˈjaʊ.ɡwaɪ/noun
A supernatural monster, demon, or shapeshifting spirit in Chinese mythology and folklore.
Did you know?In traditional Chinese stories, yaoguai are not always born evil: animals, plants, objects, and even celestial beings may become yaoguai after acquiring extraordinary spiritual power.
Etymological Timeline
Old Chinese, before 200 CE
Old Chinese
妖
“Strange, abnormal, ominous, or enchantingly unnatural”
Middle Chinese, c. 600–900 CE
Middle Chinese
ʔjiew / kwaeH
“The components later pronounced yāo and guài: uncanny beings or things regarded as abnormal and troubling”
Classical Chinese, c. 200 BCE–200 CE
Classical Chinese
妖怪
“An ominous supernatural anomaly, monster, or demon”
Medieval Chinese, c. 900–1300
Chinese
yāoguài
“A monstrous or spirit-like being, often one capable of transformation”
20th Century
English
yaoguai
“An English loanword used in translations and discussions of Chinese mythology and fantasy”
Modern English
English
yaoguai
“A Chinese supernatural monster, demon, or shapeshifting spirit”