Meaning
狐狸 refers to the fox, a small wild canine animal known in Chinese culture for its cunning and intelligence. In traditional Chinese folklore and literature, foxes often appear as shape-shifting spirits or clever tricksters, and the word carries connotations of slyness or craftiness when describing people.
Usage
Used both literally to refer to the animal and figuratively to describe someone who is cunning or sly. The expression 'like a fox' (像狐狸一样) suggests someone is clever but untrustworthy. In modern usage, it can also describe someone as attractive and alluring in a slightly mischievous way.
Examples
- 01森林里住着一只聪明的狐狸。.A clever fox lives in the forest.
- 02他像老狐狸一样，什么事都瞒不过他。, .He's like an old fox—nothing escapes his notice.
Characters
Measure words
- 只一只狐狸
- 头两头狐狸
Common collocations
- 狐狸精fox spirit, seductive woman
- 老狐狸old fox, cunning old person
- 小狐狸little fox, sly person
- 像狐狸一样狡猾as cunning as a fox
Origin
Both characters contain the 犭(dog) radical, indicating these are canine-related animals. 狐 originally referred to the fox, while 狸 referred to various wild cat-like or dog-like animals. Together they form a compound specifically meaning fox, distinguishing it from other similar wild animals.