北極狐
hokkyoku-gitsune[ho̞k̚ʲkʲo̞kɯ̟ɡʲit͡sɨne̞]
The English phrase "arctic fox" is translated into Japanese as 北極狐 (hokkyoku-gitsune). Wiktionary also lists 白狐 (byakko).
Meaning: Vulpes lagopus (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 北極狐 | hokkyoku-gitsune | [ho̞k̚ʲkʲo̞kɯ̟ɡʲit͡sɨne̞] (narrow) |
| 白狐 | byakko | [bʲa̠k̚ko̞] (narrow) [ɕiɾo̞ɡʲit͡sɨne̞] (narrow) |
北極狐 refers specifically to the species Vulpes lagopus.
Which one should you use?
北極狐 is the literal biological name for the arctic fox. In contrast, 白狐 literally means 'white fox' and is often used in more poetic or mythological contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
hokkyoku-gitsune
Did you know?
- The word 'fox' in 'hokkyoku-gitsune' undergoes a phenomenon called 'rendaku', where the initial 'k' sound shifts to a 'g' sound to smooth the transition between words. This makes the phrase 'hokkyoku-gitsune' sound more fluid to native speakers than 'hokkyoku-kitsune'.
- Japanese culture associates the fox with the ability to shapeshift into humans, meaning a 白狐 in a story is often a disguised spirit rather than an arctic fox.
- While the English 'fox' is often a symbol of trickery, the 狐 in 北極狐 is linked to the deity Inari, making the animal a symbol of fertility and prosperity in Japan.
Examples in context
- 北極狐はとても可愛いです。hokkyokugitsune wa totemo kawaii desu.The arctic fox is very cute.
- 北極狐の毛はとても白いです。hokkyokugitsune no ke wa totemo shiroi desu.The arctic fox's fur is very white.
- 北極狐は寒い場所に住んでいます。hokkyokugitsune wa samui basho ni sunde imasu.Arctic foxes live in cold places.
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are looking at a book about animals.
- 結衣 Yuiこの北極狐の写真を見て。Kono hokkyokugitsune no shashin o mite.Look at this photo of an arctic fox.
- 陽太 Yota本当に白い色をしているね。Hontō ni shiroi iro o shite iru ne.It really is white.
- 結衣 Yui冬に白くなるらしいよ。Fuyu ni shiroku naru rashii yo.I heard they turn white in winter.
- 陽太 Yota不思議な動物だね。Fushigi na dōbutsu da ne.It's a mysterious animal.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “arctic fox” translations and entries 北極狐, 白狐, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 北極狐, CC BY-SA 4.0.
