northern barbarian tribes (ancient China)
Historical term referring to non-Chinese nomadic tribes to the north of ancient China, often with a pejorative connotation. Used in classical Chinese-influenced contexts.
In classical Chinese texts, 胡虜 appears as a term for the northern barbarian tribes.
foreigner; barbarian tribe
Rare derogatory extension to refer to any foreigner or barbarian tribe. Not used in modern neutral Japanese; found only in historical or literary contexts.
In old documents, 胡虜 can sometimes simply mean 'foreign people'.