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Oni

Folklore
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Horned demons in Japanese folklore, often red or blue, punishing sinners

Detailed Definition
Oni represent evil, disease, and foreignness. In poetry, they symbolize moral corruption, external threats, and the need for purification, frequently appearing in didactic or apotropaic verse.
Example
Example in poetry:
Oni, Japanese demons, appear in moral poetry: "Oni guards the gate of hell—red and blue, with iron clubs"; Poets use them to explore consequences: "Steal, lie, or hurt—and Oni waits—Oni’s justice is swift and sure"; In festival verse, they symbolize expelled evil: "Bean-throwing drives Oni out—spring begins with clean slate bright"; Their complexity inspires nuance: "Some Oni help lost children home—demons, too, have shades of grace"
Additional Notes
Oni: Demon-like ogres in Japanese folklore, often red or blue, with horns and clubs, punishing sinners in hell or causing disasters. Can also be protective (e.g., in Setsubun festival). In poetry, they symbolize moral judgment, primal fear, or righteous anger. Useful in moral allegory or festival contexts; note their complex duality.
Other Meanings of “Oni”
Also Known As
Oni (Japanese demon) Ogre
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