How to Read “鬼も十八”
Oni mo jūhachi
Meaning of “鬼も十八”
“Even demon eighteen” is a proverb meaning that no matter how ugly a woman may be, when she reaches the age of eighteen, she will appear reasonably beautiful and attractive.
This expression represents the beauty and charm that youth itself possesses. “Demon” is used as a metaphor for an ugly woman, indicating that even a woman who is not blessed with good looks will naturally appear beautiful due to the youthfulness and freshness that comes with being eighteen years old. It was used when discussing the beauty of young women of marriageable age or when referring to the power of youth.
The reason for using this expression is to convey that beauty is not simply determined by appearance alone, but is greatly influenced by factors such as age and timing. Even today, this universal truth is understood when discussing the special radiance and charm that young women possess. However, in modern times, we must also be considerate about judging women’s beauty based solely on appearance.
Origin and Etymology
When researching the origins of “Even demon eighteen,” interesting facts emerge. This proverb is generally believed to have originated from expressions found in Edo period literature.
Originally, this phrase was used in its complete form: “Even demon eighteen, even coarse tea when freshly brewed” (鬼も十八、番茶も出花). “Freshly brewed” (出花) refers to the first beautiful aroma and color when tea is steeped. In other words, it expressed that even coarse tea, which is usually considered inferior, emits a beautiful aroma and color at the moment it is freshly brewed.
Looking at the structure of this couplet, we can see that the first half “Even demon eighteen” and the second half “even coarse tea when freshly brewed” correspond beautifully. Both share the common meaning that “even things usually considered not beautiful can appear beautiful under certain conditions.”
People of the Edo period liked to use such couplets to express the subtleties of life. Particularly when discussing women’s beauty, there was a culture of expressing, with humor, the changes that come with age and the concept of beauty that varies depending on one’s perspective. In modern times, only the first half has taken on a life of its own, but originally it was an expression used as a set with the second half.
Usage Examples
- When my daughter turned eighteen, she suddenly began to look beautiful, and it seems the gazes of the neighborhood men have changed
- That girl is a case of “Even demon eighteen” – she’s become quite attractive now that she’s reached that age
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the proverb “Even demon eighteen” finds itself in a complex position. This is because discussing the original meaning of “the beauty of young women” now sparks various debates in contemporary times.
First, there is now stronger criticism of evaluating women based on their appearance. Particularly, the very premise of “even an ugly woman” is sometimes criticized for the problematic nature of categorizing women by their looks. From a gender equality perspective, the very idea of linking women’s value to beauty is being reconsidered.
On the other hand, the concept of “the charm of youth” that this proverb contains is still understood today. However, its interpretation has changed significantly. In modern times, there is a tendency to perceive “the charm of eighteen years old” not just as physical beauty, but as the vitality, purity, and radiance of possibility characteristic of that age group.
In the modern era, where beauty standards have become more diverse due to the influence of social media and mass media, the meaning of this proverb is also being reinterpreted. “Even demon eighteen” is sometimes received as a more inclusive message that everyone has their own unique charm, without being bound by uniform beauty standards.
Also, misuse is seen in modern times. It is sometimes used simply to mean “young women are beautiful,” but this differs from the original meaning of “any woman can appear beautiful through youth.” The background of such misuse may also be influenced by the forgotten part “even coarse tea when freshly brewed,” which was the complete form of the proverb.
When AI Hears This
The linguistic mechanism behind this proverb is remarkably sophisticated. In Japanese folklore, oni (demons) have functioned as the embodiment of “absolute ugliness.” With their horns, fangs, and red skin, oni are positioned as beings furthest removed from human aesthetic sensibilities. Yet “Oni mo jūhachi” boldly declares that even these symbols of absolute ugliness become beautiful when they reach eighteen years of age.
The revolutionary nature of this expression lies in how it completely relativizes the concept of beauty and ugliness. If we simply said “Even ugly people look good at eighteen,” it would come across as mere insult. However, by invoking the non-realistic existence of oni, the saying manages to avoid direct criticism of real people while simultaneously delivering a far more powerful message.
What’s even more fascinating is how this expression demonstrates absolute faith in the transformative power of adolescence. The period around eighteen is viewed not merely as a time when appearance changes, but when inner radiance becomes reflected in one’s exterior. In other words, even oni become beautiful because the vitality and luminous potential unique to youth transcends conventional standards of beauty and ugliness.
Through this linguistic device, the Japanese have succeeded in expressing a profound view of humanity—that “beauty is not fixed, but a relative concept that changes through time and growth”—in just five characters.
Lessons for Today
What “Even demon eighteen” teaches us today is about the essence of beauty and charm. This proverb conveys that everyone has a special radiance at their respective times in life, regardless of physical conditions.
In modern society, ideal beauty standards tend to be imposed through the influence of social media and mass media. However, this proverb teaches us that “even if you’re not perfect, everyone has their own unique charm.” Not limited to the age of eighteen, there is beauty and charm unique to each stage of life.
This proverb also teaches the importance of “timing.” Just as coarse tea is beautiful at the moment it’s freshly brewed, people also have moments when they shine. It shows the importance of recognizing and cherishing one’s own charm.
We who live in modern times tend to get tired of comparing ourselves to others. However, the spirit of “Even demon eighteen” teaches us the importance of recognizing the value of ourselves at this very moment, rather than making comparisons. You too surely have your own special charm and moments when you shine.
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