The kanji 鬼 primarily represents a "demon," "ogre," "spirit," or "monster." It embodies concepts of the supernatural, the fearsome, and beings that exist outside of the normal human realm. It often implies something frightening, powerful, and sometimes malevolent.

・On-yomi (音読み): き (ki) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): おに (oni)

⚫︎ 鬼（おに） Translation: Demon, ogre. ⚫︎ 鬼退治（おにたいじ） Translation: Demon extermination, demon slaying. ⚫︎ 鬼の目にも涙（おにのめにもなみだ） Translation: Even a demon can cry; (said of someone who is usually cruel or heartless).

The kanji 鬼 is a pictograph. It depicts a person with a large head and a scary face. The character initially showed a person wearing a mask or a frightening visage. Over time, it came to represent the general concept of a demon or monstrous being.