魅 (mèi) - Demon & evil spirit

魅Tone 4

mèi ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

伦妙

魅 · mèi

Demon;

evil spirit;

goblin;

supernatural being that lures or bewitches;

also refers to an irresistible charm or fascination.

Demonevil spiritgoblin

Usage highlights

Charm, appealBewitching, enchantingEvil spirit, demonDemons and monstersAllure, fascinationSoul of a charm

Synonyms

  • 鬼— ghost, demon
  • 妖— goblin, demon, evil spirit
  • 魔— devil, demon, evil spirit

Antonyms

  • 神— god, deity, spirit (benevolent)
  • 仙— immortal, celestial being

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The old mansion was said to be haunted by evil spirits (鬼魅).
  • She has a captivating charm (魅力) that draws people to her.
  • In folklore, demons and monsters (魑魅魍魉) lurk in the mountains.
  • He was bewitched by her demonic allure (魅惑).

Collocations

  • Charm, appeal(魅力)
  • Bewitching, enchanting(魅惑)
  • Evil spirit, demon(鬼魅)
  • Demons and monsters(魑魅魍魉)
  • Allure, fascination(魅人)
  • Soul of a charm(魅魂)

Idioms

  • Demons and monsters, all kinds of evil spirits(魑魅魍魉)
  • The charm of a city or a country(倾城魅)
  • Bewitching and confusing the masses(魅惑众生)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In ancient Chinese mythology and folklore, 魅 refers to malevolent supernatural beings, often mountain spirits or demons that could bewitch humans.
  • The character is composed of 鬼 (ghost, demon) and 未 (not yet), suggesting an incomplete or ethereal ghostly form.
  • Over time, its meaning expanded to include a more positive sense of irresistible charm and fascination in modern usage.

FAQ