Translation guide
Describes a cunning, experienced person, often with negative connotations. In Japanese, this is expressed through idiomatic phrases and metaphors rather than a single direct translation.
He's an old fox.
Direct translation works, but 海千山千 is also common.
To refer to someone who is sly, crafty, and worldly-wise, often in a negative sense.
Literally 'old fox,' this is a direct equivalent used to describe a shrewd, experienced person who is not easily fooled. It carries a nuance of cunning and worldliness.
He's quite an old fox.
Literally 'a thousand seas, a thousand mountains,' this idiom describes someone who has been through many experiences and is therefore shrewd and crafty. It emphasizes vast life experience leading to cunning.
That politician is an old fox (has seen it all).
A more literary term meaning 'crafty' or 'wily,' often used to describe an old person who is cunning and experienced. It has a slightly negative, formal tone.
I was tricked by an old fox's cunning methods.
Both describe a cunning, experienced person. 古狐 directly uses the fox metaphor, while 海千山千 emphasizes vast life experience. 古狐 may sound slightly more negative, while 海千山千 can sometimes be used with a hint of admiration for someone's savvy.
While 古狐 is a direct equivalent, simply saying '古い狐' (old fox) is not idiomatic and will not be understood. Use the set phrase 古狐 or other idioms.