Korean Dictionary
How to say "Fox" in Korean
“Fox” in Korean is 여우 (pronounced "Yeou").
여우
Yeou
Usage & Context
여우 (fox) is a prominent figure in Korean mythology and folklore often depicted as a trickster spirit or a gumiho (nine-tailed fox). The gumiho is one of the most iconic supernatural beings in Korean tradition appearing in countless dramas and stories. A person who is cunning or sly may be called 여우 in everyday speech.
Example Sentence
구미호는 한국 전설에 나오는 여우 정령이에요.
The gumiho is a fox spirit that appears in Korean legend.
How to use 여우 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Fox” is 여우, romanized as Yeou.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 여우.
Pronunciation Guide
The word "여우" is pronounced "Yeo-u." "Yeo" sounds like "yuh" in "yummy" but with a slightly more open 'o' sound. "U" is like "oo" in "moon."
More Example Sentences
Discussing a K-drama.
그 드라마에 나오는 구미호는 정말 매력적이었어.
The gumiho in that drama was really charming.
Talking about animal characteristics.
여우는 영리하고 교활한 동물로 알려져 있어요.
Foxes are known as clever and cunning animals.
Warning someone about a cunning person.
쟤는 여우 같아서 조심해야 해.
You need to be careful with her; she's like a fox.
Cultural Context
여우 (yeou) holds a complex and often mystical role in Korean culture, most famously embodied by the 구미호 (gumiho), or nine-tailed fox. This mythical creature is a shapeshifting fox spirit, often depicted as a beautiful woman who seduces men to consume their livers or hearts. Beyond folklore, "여우" can also be used colloquially to describe a cunning, sly, or sometimes overly charming person, often with a slightly negative connotation, especially for women.
Editorial note
We review entries like 여우 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
여우 같은 짓
Foxy/cunning behavior
여우비
Sunshower (literally "fox rain," as if a fox is getting married)
여우굴
Fox den
Related Expressions
구미호
gumiho
Nine-tailed fox (mythical creature)
여우 같은 사람
yeou gateun saram
A foxy/cunning person
늑대
neukdae
Wolf
꾀
kkwe
Trick, cunning
More Animals Words
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