Fox vs. Kitsune — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 21, 2024
A fox is a wild canine found in various regions, known for its cunning nature, while a kitsune is a mythical Japanese fox spirit with magical abilities, often depicted as a shape-shifter.
Difference Between Fox and Kitsune
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A fox is a real animal belonging to the Canidae family, commonly found across the globe. It is known for its reddish fur, bushy tail, and sharp, intelligent eyes. In contrast, a kitsune is a mythical creature from Japanese folklore, believed to possess magical powers and the ability to shape-shift, often into a human form.
Foxes are often associated with cunning and cleverness in various cultures, including Western folklore. They are depicted as tricksters who use their intelligence to outsmart others. Kitsune, on the other hand, are seen as both benevolent and malevolent spirits in Japanese mythology. They can bring good fortune or wreak havoc depending on their mood and the situation.
In the wild, foxes are solitary hunters, primarily feeding on small mammals, birds, and insects. They adapt well to various environments, including urban areas. Kitsune, however, are depicted as supernatural beings that interact with humans in more complex ways, often as protectors or deceivers.
Foxes have a physical presence in the real world and are subject to natural laws. They breed, hunt, and survive just like other animals. Kitsune, being mythical, exist in stories and legends, often embodying moral lessons or reflecting cultural values.
Comparison Chart
Nature
Real animal
Mythical creature
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Origin
Found worldwide
Japanese folklore
Attributes
Cunning, intelligent
Magical, shape-shifting
Behavior
Solitary hunter
Interacts with humans, protector or trickster
Representation
Physical presence
Spiritual, legendary
Compare with Definitions
Fox
An attractive woman (slang, dated).
She was considered the fox of her high school.
Kitsune
A shape-shifting fox spirit in Japanese folklore.
The village believed the mysterious figure was a kitsune.
Fox
Foxes are small to medium-sized, omnivorous mammals belonging to several genera of the family Canidae. They have a flattened skull, upright triangular ears, a pointed, slightly upturned snout, and a long bushy tail (or brush).
Kitsune
A guardian spirit often associated with the Shinto deity Inari.
The shrine had statues of kitsune as protectors.
Fox
A member of a North American people formerly living in southern Wisconsin, and now mainly in Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas.
Kitsune
A symbol of intelligence and cunning in Japanese culture.
Stories of the kitsune often include lessons on wisdom and cleverness.
Fox
The Algonquian language of the Fox, now almost extinct.
Kitsune
A mythical Japanese fox with magical powers.
The kitsune in the tale could transform into a beautiful woman.
Fox
Baffle or deceive (someone)
The abbreviation foxed me completely
Kitsune
A being capable of trickery and deception.
The kitsune played pranks on those who were greedy.
Fox
Relating to the Fox or their language.
Kitsune
In Japanese folklore, Kitsune (狐, キツネ, IPA: [ki̥tsɯꜜne] (listen), literally the Japanese word for fox) are intelligent foxes that possess paranormal abilities that increase as they get older and wiser. According to yōkai folklore, all foxes have the ability to shapeshift into human form.
Fox
A member of a Native American people formerly inhabiting various parts of southern Michigan, southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois, and eastern Iowa, with present-day populations in central Iowa and with the Sauk in Oklahoma.
Kitsune
(mythology) A Japanese fox spirit, often but not exclusively female, said to have powers such as shape-shifting, and whose power is symbolized by increase in number of tails.
Fox
The Algonquian language of the Fox.
Fox
Any of various carnivorous mammals of the family Canidae and especially of the genus Vulpes, found worldwide and characteristically having upright ears, a pointed snout, and a long bushy tail.
Fox
The fur of one of these mammals.
Fox
A crafty, sly, or clever person.
Fox
(Nautical) Small cordage made by twisting together two or more strands of tarred yarn.
Fox
(Archaic) A sword.
Fox
To trick or fool by ingenuity or cunning; outwit.
Fox
To baffle or confuse.
Fox
To make (beer) sour by fermenting.
Fox
To repair (a shoe) by attaching a new upper.
Fox
(Obsolete) To intoxicate.
Fox
To act slyly or craftily.
Fox
To turn sour in fermenting. Used of beer.
Fox
A red fox, small carnivore (Vulpes vulpes), related to dogs and wolves, with red or silver fur and a bushy tail.
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
Fox
Any of numerous species of small wild canids resembling the red fox. In the taxonomy they form the tribe Vulpini within the family Canidae, consisting of nine genera (see the Wikipedia article on the fox).
Fox
The fur of a fox.
Fox
A fox terrier.
Fox
The gemmeous dragonet, a fish, Callionymus lyra, so called from its yellow color.
Fox
A cunning person.
Fox
A person with reddish brown hair, usually a woman.
Fox
(nautical) A small strand of rope made by twisting several rope-yarns together. Used for seizings, mats, sennits, and gaskets.
Fox
(mechanics) A wedge driven into the split end of a bolt to tighten it.
Fox
A hidden radio transmitter, finding which is the goal of radiosport.
Fox
(cartomancy) The fourteenth Lenormand card.
Fox
(obsolete) A sword; so called from the stamp of a fox on the blade, or perhaps of a wolf taken for a fox.
Fox
Air-to-air weapon launched.
Fox
(transitive) To trick, fool or outwit (someone) by cunning or ingenuity.
Fox
(transitive) To confuse or baffle (someone).
This crossword puzzle has completely foxed me.
Fox
(intransitive) To act slyly or craftily.
Fox
(intransitive) To discolour paper. Fox marks are spots on paper caused by humidity. (See foxing.)
The pages of the book show distinct foxing.
Fox
(transitive) To make sour, as beer, by causing it to ferment.
Fox
(intransitive) To turn sour; said of beer, etc., when it sours in fermenting.
Fox
(transitive) To intoxicate; to stupefy with drink.
Fox
(transitive) To repair (boots) with new front upper leather, or to piece the upper fronts of.
Fox
A carnivorous animal of the genus Vulpes, family Canidæ, of many species. The European fox (V. vulgaris or V. vulpes), the American red fox (V. fulvus), the American gray fox (V. Virginianus), and the arctic, white, or blue, fox (V. lagopus) are well-known species.
Subtle as the fox for prey.
Fox
The European dragonet.
Fox
The fox shark or thrasher shark; - called also sea fox. See Thrasher shark, under Shark.
Fox
A sly, cunning fellow.
We call a crafty and cruel man a fox.
Fox
Rope yarn twisted together, and rubbed with tar; - used for seizings or mats.
Fox
A sword; - so called from the stamp of a fox on the blade, or perhaps of a wolf taken for a fox.
Thou diest on point of fox.
Fox
A tribe of Indians which, with the Sacs, formerly occupied the region about Green Bay, Wisconsin; - called also Outagamies.
Fox
To intoxicate; to stupefy with drink.
I drank . . . so much wine that I was almost foxed.
Fox
To make sour, as beer, by causing it to ferment.
Fox
To repair the feet of, as of boots, with new front upper leather, or to piece the upper fronts of.
Fox
To turn sour; - said of beer, etc., when it sours in fermenting.
Fox
Alert carnivorous mammal with pointed muzzle and ears and a bushy tail; most are predators that do not hunt in packs
Fox
A shifty deceptive person
Fox
The gray or reddish-brown fur of a fox
Fox
English statesman who supported American independence and the French Revolution (1749-1806)
Fox
English religious leader who founded the Society of Friends (1624-1691)
Fox
A member of an Algonquian people formerly living west of Lake Michigan along the Fox River
Fox
The Algonquian language of the Fox people
Fox
Deceive somebody;
We tricked the teacher into thinking that class would be cancelled next week
Fox
Be confusing or perplexing to; cause to be unable to think clearly;
These questions confuse even the experts
This question completely threw me
This question befuddled even the teacher
Fox
Become discolored with, or as if with, mildew spots
Fox
A wild animal of the dog family with a pointed snout and bushy tail.
A fox darted across the road in the early morning light.
Fox
A symbol of cunning and trickery.
The fox in the story outwitted the farmer to steal the chickens.
Fox
A person who is cunning or sly.
He is such a fox, always finding ways to turn situations to his advantage.
Fox
The fur of a fox, used as clothing.
She wore a luxurious fox stole to the gala.
Common Curiosities
How do kitsune differ from regular foxes?
Kitsune are legendary creatures with supernatural powers, unlike real foxes.
Where are foxes commonly found?
Foxes are found worldwide, in various habitats including urban areas.
What roles do kitsune play in Japanese culture?
Kitsune can be protectors, tricksters, or messengers of the deity Inari.
What is a kitsune?
A kitsune is a mythical Japanese fox spirit with magical abilities.
What is a common depiction of kitsune in art?
Kitsune are often depicted as multi-tailed foxes in Japanese art.
Can foxes be domesticated?
While foxes are wild animals, some have been domesticated, but they are not typical pets.
What is a kitsune's relationship with humans?
Kitsune interact with humans in various ways, often involving lessons or moral stories.
What is a fox?
A fox is a wild canine known for its intelligence and adaptability.
What do foxes symbolize in Western folklore?
Foxes often symbolize cunning and trickery in Western folklore.
Are kitsune always malevolent?
No, kitsune can be both benevolent and malevolent depending on the story.
What do foxes eat?
Foxes primarily eat small mammals, birds, and insects.
How are foxes portrayed in children's stories?
Foxes are often portrayed as clever and resourceful animals.
What abilities are kitsune believed to have?
Kitsune are believed to shape-shift, cast illusions, and possess magical powers.
Do foxes live in groups?
Foxes are typically solitary animals.
What does a multi-tailed kitsune signify?
In folklore, the number of tails a kitsune has indicates its age, wisdom, and power.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
