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March 24, 2026
狐hú(hu2)
The character 狐 (hú) means 'fox' in Mandarin. It commonly refers to the animal known for its cunning nature and is often used in idiomatic expressions and folklore, symbolizing cleverness or trickery.
Strokes8Radical犭Frequency#12689DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the fox is often associated with magical qualities and is a central figure in various myths and tales, representing both wisdom and deceit. The character appears in stories where foxes transform into beautiful women, highlighting themes of seduction and trickery.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sly fox sneaking through the forest. The character 狐 resembles a fox with its bushy tail, and the 'h' in 'hú' sounds like the sound a fox makes. Picture the fox whispering 'hú' as it plots its next clever move.
Meanings of 狐
hú(hu2)
1fox
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 狐
狐Simplified
8Strokes
犭Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
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Podcast: 狐
Podcast: 狐
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AI Study Notes for 狐
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sly fox sneaking through the forest. The character 狐 resembles a fox with its bushy tail, and the 'h' in 'hú' sounds like the sound a fox makes. Picture the fox whispering 'hú' as it plots its next clever move.
Usage Notes
When using 狐, be mindful of its context, as it often appears in literary or idiomatic expressions like '狐狸精' (húlijīng), which means a femme fatale or seductress. Avoid using it in overly formal situations since it's more common in informal or literary contexts.
HSK Study Tips
Although 狐 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, understanding it can enhance your comprehension of cultural references in Chinese literature and folklore. Students should focus on recognizing idioms that include this character.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the fox is often associated with magical qualities and is a central figure in various myths and tales, representing both wisdom and deceit. The character appears in stories where foxes transform into beautiful women, highlighting themes of seduction and trickery.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 狐 with other animal characters like 猫 (māo - cat) or 狗 (gǒu - dog). Remember that 狐 specifically means 'fox,' so ensure you use it in contexts related to cunning or trickery.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 狐
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Grammar Patterns of 狐
狐 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
亚当斯满腹____疑地问道：“你到底要我做什么？”
"What is it you want me to do?" Adams asked suspiciously.
Example Sentences for 狐 (10)
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1
亚当斯满腹狐疑地问道：“你到底要我做什么？”
yà dāng sī mǎn fù hú yí dì wèn dào：“ ：“ nǐ dào dǐ yào wǒ zuò shí？”
"What is it you want me to do?" Adams asked suspiciously.
Britain has the largest and most flourishing fox population in Europe.
8
阿瑟·默里教狐步舞、探戈和华尔兹。
ā sè· · mò lǐ jiào hú bù、 wǔ 、 tàn gē hé huá。
Arthur Murray taught the foxtrot, the tango and the waltz.
9
他记起那些天晴的夜晚,以及照在狐狸银色尾巴上的明亮的月亮.
tā jì qǐ nà xiē tiān qíng de yè wǎn, , yǐ jí zhào zài hú lí yín sè wěi bā shàng de míng liàng de yuè.
He remembered those clear nights and the moon bright on the silver tails of the foxes.
10
那狗嗅闻狐狸经过的地方.
nà gǒu xiù wén hú lí jīng guò de dì fāng.
The dog snuffed at the track of the fox.
Cultural Notes for 狐
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the fox is often associated with magical qualities and is a central figure in various myths and tales, representing both wisdom and deceit. The character appears in stories where foxes transform into beautiful women, highlighting themes of seduction and trickery.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, foxes are often seen as clever animals, but they are less commonly associated with magical or transformative powers as they are in Chinese folklore.
Word Family of 狐
Words Containing This Character20
狐狸fox
狐húfox
搜狐Sohu, Chinese web portal and online media company
狐狸精fox-spirit
狐朋狗友a pack of rogues (idiom); a gang of scoundrels
老狐狸old fox
狐疑suspicious
狐臭body odor
狐狸尾巴to reveal one's evil nature
银狐also written 玄狐銀狐
九尾狐nine-tailed fox (mythological creature)
狐假虎威lit. the fox exploits the tiger's might (idiom); fig. to use powerful connections to intimidate people
白狐arctic fox
兔死狐悲lit. if the rabbit dies, the fox grieves (idiom); fig. to have sympathy with a like-minded person in distress
火狐Firefox (web browser)
狐群狗党a gang of rogues狐群狗黨
玄狐silver or black fox (Vulpes alopex argentatus)
野狐禅heresy野狐禪
狐步舞fox-trot (ballroom dance) (loanword)
狐狸座Vulpecula (constellation)
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 狐狸 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 狐
It is pronounced as 'hú'.
It often symbolizes cunning or trickery, especially in phrases related to deceit.
Yes, '狐狸精' (húlijīng) refers to a seductress and is commonly used in conversation.
