Translation guide
The animal fox, and its cultural associations in Japan.
Referring to the animal itself.
The standard word for fox.
昨日、公園で狐を見ました。
I saw a fox in the park yesterday.
Referring to the fox as a supernatural being (kitsune) with magical powers, often a messenger of Inari.
In folklore, foxes are intelligent beings with magical abilities, including shapeshifting. Often associated with the god Inari.
狐は化けると言われています。
Foxes are said to shapeshift.
A term for a bewitching or supernatural fox, often used in fantasy contexts.
Describing a sly, cunning person, like a fox.
Can be used metaphorically for a sly person, similar to English.
彼は狐のようにずる賢い。
He's as sly as a fox.
Describing the color of a fox's fur, a reddish-brown or light brown.
Referring to a type of noodle dish topped with fried tofu, named after the fox's supposed love for it.
Udon noodles in hot broth topped with sweet fried tofu (aburaage).
寒い日にはきつねうどんが食べたい。
On a cold day, I want to eat kitsune udon.
Soba noodles with the same fried tofu topping.
きつねそばを注文した。
I ordered kitsune soba.
Foxes (kitsune) are deeply embedded in Japanese folklore. They are often seen as messengers of Inari, the Shinto god of rice and prosperity. You'll see fox statues at many Inari shrines.
A nine-tailed fox spirit appears in that story.
Idiom meaning to be bewildered or feel like you've been tricked by a fox spirit.
突然の知らせに狐につままれた気分だ。
I feel completely bewildered by the sudden news.