Japanese meaning of 神出鬼没
Reading:
しんしゅつきぼつ (shinshutsu kibotsu)
English Translation:
Appearing and disappearing unpredictably.
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Appearing and disappearing unpredictably, like a ghost.
神や鬼のように現れたり消えたりすること。行動が予測できないさま。
Cultural Context:
From Chinese military and literary sources, emphasizing unpredictability. In modern Japanese, used for elusive people, military tactics, or even fictional heroes.
中国古典の軍記や文学に由来し、行動や出没が予測不能なことを表す。現代では軍事戦術やフィクションのキャラクター描写にも使われる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase with “の動き” or “の人物” when describing agility (“神出鬼没の活躍”).
• Functions metaphorically to describe unpredictability.
Trap for English Speakers
Literal "god appears, demon disappears" may cause religious confusion.
Example
Basic Example
その怪盗は神出鬼没で、どこから現れるのかわからない。
The phantom thief appears out of nowhere, impossible to predict.
Applied Example
神出鬼没の動きで相手を翻弄した。
His unpredictable movements confused the opponent — he appeared and disappeared like a phantom.