Definitions

1. Noun:
   • Fox (archaic/literary term): "Hồ li" is an archaic Vietnamese term referring to a fox, a small to medium-sized omnivorous mammal belonging to the family Canidae, known for its bushy tail and cunning nature. It is primarily used in classical literature, folklore, and historical contexts.
   • Fox spirit (in mythology): In East Asian mythology and Vietnamese folklore, "hồ li" often specifically denotes a fox spirit, a mythical creature believed to possess magical powers, longevity, and the ability to shapeshift, often into a beautiful woman.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Trong truyện cổ tích, con hồ li thường được miêu tả là rất ranh mãnh. (In fairy tales, the fox is often described as very cunning.)
  • Truyền thuyết kể về một hồ li chín đuôi có phép thuật cao cường. (Legends tell of a nine-tailed fox spirit with powerful magic.)

Advanced Usage

• "Hồ li tinh": This is a more specific and common compound term for "fox spirit" or "kitsune" in a mythological context. It emphasizes the supernatural aspect.
  • Câu chuyện dân gian đó xoay quanh một hồ li tinh muốn tu luyện thành tiên. (That folk tale revolves around a fox spirit wanting to cultivate to become an immortal.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cáo: (Noun) This is the standard, modern Vietnamese word for "fox". "Hồ li" is an older, more literary synonym.
• Hồ ly: (Noun) An alternate spelling/variant of "hồ li".
• Hồ li tinh: (Noun) Fox spirit; a specific mythological being.

Synonyms

• Cáo: fox (modern, general term).
• Yêu hồ: fox demon/fox spirit (emphasizing a malevolent or supernatural nature).

Related Idioms

• "Cáo già": (Lit: old fox) An idiom meaning a sly, cunning, and experienced person. While it uses the modern word "cáo", it relates to the same cunning characteristic historically associated with "hồ li".
  • Ông ấy là một cáo già trong làng chính trị. (He is an old fox in the political arena.)