Yokai
/ˈjoʊkaɪ/noun
A supernatural creature, spirit, or uncanny phenomenon in Japanese folklore.
Did you know?The term yokai became especially prominent in the Edo period, when artists and storytellers transformed frightening spirits into an entire supernatural bestiary.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Chinese
Chinese
妖怪
“A strange, ominous, or supernatural being; the compound was later adopted into Japanese.”
8th Century
Japanese
ようかい / 妖怪
“A strange or uncanny phenomenon, spirit, or apparition.”
Heian Period
Japanese
yōkai
“An unsettling supernatural occurrence, often associated with spirits, omens, or unexplained disturbances.”
Edo Period
Japanese
yōkai
“A broad category of supernatural beings, popularized through illustrated encyclopedias, theater, and storytelling.”
20th Century
English
yokai
“A Japanese folkloric spirit or monster; the word entered English through scholarship, popular culture, and translation.”
Modern English
English
yokai
“A supernatural creature or phenomenon from Japanese folklore, ranging from mischievous shapeshifters to dangerous spirits.”