How to say "fox" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- nounThe common word for the animal, especially the red fox; it is usually written in kana alone. Use it for a live fox seen in the mountains or fields, or foxes in general.
- nounThe English loanword, covering the animal and fox fur. For the animal itself it is seldom the word you want, since きつね is the common term; it fits contexts like fur and clothing.
- 野狐囲碁のぎつねいごnounNot a word for the animal: this is an abbreviated name for Fox Weiqi, a Chinese online Go server. Use it only when talking about that service, never when translating 'fox' as an animal.
- 野狐のぎつねnounA shorter abbreviated name for the same Chinese online Go server, Fox Weiqi. Like 野狐囲碁 it has nothing to do with the animal; choose it only in discussions of that Go service.
- nounA less common word for a fox, echoing the animal's bark; it has a playful flavour. Seldom the word you need — for ordinary reference to the animal, きつね is the choice.
For the animal itself, 「きつね」 is the common word; 「フォックス」 is the loanword, also used of fox fur; 野狐囲碁 and 野狐 refer only to a Chinese online Go server; 「こんこんちき」 is a less common, playful alternative.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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