demon · magic

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 魔 denotes a demon or magic; the source lists only the on-reading ま.
• Basic usage: 魔法 means magic, but 邪魔 means obstruction or interference, so the compounds must be distinguished as whole words.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 魔法 / 邪魔
  • 魔法: Read as まほう, this noun refers to supernatural magic in a story. Example: 少女が魔法で枯れた花を咲かせる物語だ。
  • 邪魔: This word refers to an obstruction or interference, and 邪魔する means to disturb or get in the way. Example: 通路の邪魔になる箱を端へ移した。