怪物

• Reading: かいぶつ
• Romaji: kaibutsu
• Kanji breakdown: 怪 (kai/ke) — mysterious, suspicious; 物 (butsu/mono) — thing, creature
• Pronunciation: /ka.i.bɯ.tsɯ/

Meaning

Monster; a fearsome creature, or a person of extraordinary ability or power.

A noun with two main uses: literally, a terrifying supernatural creature in stories and films; figuratively, someone with overwhelming talent or dominance in a field, similar to English 'beast' or 'monster.' The figurative use is common in sports and entertainment media.

Examples

1. この映画に出てくる怪物のデザインがすごい。 The monster design in this movie is incredible.
2. 子供の頃は暗闇に怪物がいると信じていた。 When I was a kid, I believed there were monsters in the dark.
3. あのボクサーは怪物と呼ばれるほど強い。 That boxer is so strong he's called a monster.

Usage Guide

Context: entertainment, sports, folklore

Tone: dramatic

Origin & History

Compound of 怪 (mysterious, suspicious) + 物 (thing, creature). From classical Chinese, originally referring to strange or supernatural beings encountered in folklore.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal