1.
fox
A wild canine with a bushy tail, pointed ears, and reddish-brown fur. Foxes have deep significance in Japanese folklore as shapeshifters and messengers of Inari.
森で狐を見かけた。
I spotted a fox in the forest.
稲荷神社には狐の像がある。
There are fox statues at Inari shrines.
昔話では、狐は人に化けると言われている。
In old tales, foxes are said to transform into humans.
狐 refers to foxes.
Common expressions:
- 狐うどん (udon with sweet fried tofu - tofu is said to be foxes' favorite food)
- 狐の嫁入り (sun shower - "fox's wedding")
- 狐につままれる (to be bewildered, as if bewitched by a fox)
- 狐と狸の化かし合い (battle of wits; literally foxes and tanuki trying to outwit each other)
Counter: 匹
Cultural note:
In Japanese folklore, 狐 are believed to be messengers of 稲荷 (the god of rice/prosperity). They can transform into humans and may be benevolent or mischievous. The red gates (鳥居) at Inari shrines, like Fushimi Inari in Kyoto, are guarded by fox statues.
Related Words
Related:
狸