Level 4

여우

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Meaning and Usage

The word '여우' primarily means 'fox,' the animal. However, in Korean, it is also used metaphorically to describe a woman who is clever, cunning, or plays coy, often with a slightly negative or teasing nuance. This dual meaning is common in everyday conversation and literature.

Common Collocations

  • 여우 같다: to be like a fox, implying cunning or slyness.
  • 여우 같은 여자: a woman who is clever or sly.
  • 여우짓하다: to act cunningly or flirtatiously.

Register and Nuance

'여우' can be used in both neutral and informal contexts. When referring to the animal, it is neutral. When used metaphorically for a woman, it can be playful or critical depending on tone and context. Be cautious as it might sound offensive if used inappropriately.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '여우' with simply meaning 'a woman' or 'a girl.' Remember, it specifically means 'fox' and metaphorically a cunning woman, not just any woman.

Tips for Learners

Use '여우' when describing cleverness or sly behavior, especially in a playful or literary context. Pair it with verbs like '같다' or '짓하다' to express the metaphor clearly.

Example Sentences

숲 속에서 여우 한 마리가 조용히 움직이고 있었다.

Sup sogeseo yeou han mariga joyonghi umjigigo isseotda.

A fox was quietly moving in the forest.

그녀는 여우처럼 교활해서 쉽게 속일 수 없다.

Geunyeoneun yeouchoreom gyohwalhaeseo swipge sogil su eopda.

She is as cunning as a fox, so she can't be easily deceived.

그 여자는 여우 같은 매력으로 남자들의 관심을 끌었다.

Geu yeojaneun yeou gateun maeryeogeuro namjadeurui gwansimeul kkeureotda.

That woman attracted men's attention with a fox-like charm.