Translation guide
In Japanese folklore, foxes (kitsune) are believed to possess supernatural abilities such as shapeshifting, illusion, and possession. This entry covers how to refer to such foxes in Japanese, from common terms to more specific folkloric expressions.
Refer to a fox with magical or supernatural abilities in a broad sense, as commonly found in folklore and popular culture.
Literally 'bewitching fox', this is the standard term for a fox with supernatural powers. It appears in myths, legends, and modern fantasy.
その妖狐は人間に化けることができる。
That supernatural fox can transform into a human.
A fox that transforms or disguises itself, emphasizing the shapeshifting aspect. Often used in folktales.
化け狐が美しい女性に化けた。
The shapeshifting fox turned into a beautiful woman.
A fox yōkai (supernatural creature). This phrase is more descriptive and can be used when explaining the concept.
狐の妖怪は人を化かすと言われている。
Fox yōkai are said to bewitch people.
Refer to the sacred foxes associated with Inari shrines, which are considered divine messengers rather than tricksters.
The fox of Inari, the Shinto deity of rice and prosperity. These foxes are revered and not typically feared.
お稲荷様の狐は神聖な存在だ。
The foxes of Inari are sacred beings.
Literally 'divine messenger fox'. A more formal term used in religious contexts.
神社には神使の狐の像がある。
There is a statue of a divine messenger fox at the shrine.
Refer to a fox that has lived for centuries and gained multiple tails, often nine, signifying immense power.
The nine-tailed fox, a legendary creature of great magical power, known across East Asian folklore.
九尾の狐は千年以上生きた狐だ。
A nine-tailed fox is a fox that has lived for over a thousand years.
A celestial fox, a high-ranking supernatural fox in esoteric folklore. Rarely used outside specialized contexts.
天狐は空を飛ぶことができるという。
It is said that celestial foxes can fly.
Refer to the phenomenon of a fox spirit possessing a person, often causing illness or erratic behavior.
Fox possession. Historically believed to be a cause of mental disturbance, especially in women.
彼女は狐憑きだと言われていた。
She was said to be possessed by a fox.
A fox possesses (someone). The verb form used to describe the act of possession.
狐が憑いたように彼は暴れた。
He rampaged as if possessed by a fox.
The ordinary word for fox is 狐 (きつね). Adding supernatural connotations requires specific terms like 妖狐 or 化け狐. Simply saying 狐 does not imply magical powers.
妖狐 is a broader term for any bewitching fox, while 化け狐 specifically emphasizes shapeshifting. In many contexts they overlap, but 妖狐 is more common in modern fantasy.