tricksters; deceivers; fey creatures; monsters; goblins
A yojijukugo referring to various supernatural beings, especially foxes and raccoon dogs, known for trickery and deception. Often used in folklore and fantasy contexts.
Many trickster spirits appear in this old tale.
I feel as if I've been bewitched by a fox spirit.
妖怪 is a general term for supernatural monsters and spirits, while 狐狸妖怪 specifically emphasizes fox and raccoon dog tricksters.
狐 refers to a fox, often associated with shape-shifting and trickery in folklore, but 狐狸妖怪 is a broader term for such trickster beings.
A yojijukugo combining 狐狸 (foxes and raccoon dogs, both known as tricksters in Japanese folklore) and 妖怪 (supernatural beings). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term is conventionally associated with deceptive spirits.