Ghost(鬼):
In Chinese, it is pronounced as: guǐ，Written as:

The concept of the “Ghost” is widely present in many cultures and religions, often considered to be the soul or apparition of a deceased person. The depiction and characteristics of ghosts may vary across different cultural contexts.
In traditional Chinese culture, ghosts are usually seen as the spirits of the dead, especially those who have not found peace or have been wronged. The Qingming Festival and the Ghost Festival are important holidays for honoring ancestors and the deceased. Ancient Chinese literature and folklore, such as the tales in “Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio,” contain many stories about ghosts. These spirits are typically believed to reside in the underworld and require comfort and offerings through rituals like burning Joss Paper.
In the West, ghosts are often portrayed as transparent or translucent human-like beings that might appear at night in places like old houses or graveyards. Ghost stories and legends are also common in Western literature, as seen in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” where a ghost makes an appearance. In some Western beliefs, ghosts may linger in the mortal world due to unfinished tasks or strong emotions.
In Japan, the concepts of ghosts (Oni) and apparitions (Yūrei) are distinct. Oni are often malevolent spirits or yaoguai, while Yūrei are similar to the apparitions of the West. Japanese Ghost Festivals, such as the Bon Festival, are held to commemorate ancestors and ward off evil spirits. There are many Japanese legends about ghosts, including modern urban legends like the “Faceless Ghost” and “Sadako.”
In Hinduism and Buddhism, ghosts (such as “Hungry Ghosts”) are portrayed as souls in torment, unable to be reincarnated or reborn due to the negative karma of their past lives or unfulfilled desires. In many indigenous cultures of Africa and the Americas, ghosts are often linked with ancestor worship and are viewed as family protectors or spirits.
In modern popular culture, ghosts frequently appear in movies, television, and books, often used as elements of horror. Many horror films revolve around ghostly encounters, such as the “Paranormal Activity” and “The Conjuring” series. Ghosts also feature prominently in many urban legends and paranormal phenomena, with a keen interest in haunted houses and paranormal investigations.