المعنى
To be tricked or confused by something, like a fox's magic.
خلفية ثقافية
Foxes are considered 'Zenko' (good foxes) when serving Inari, but 'Yako' (field foxes) when playing tricks. This idiom specifically references the 'Yako' behavior. Characters with fox-like traits (kitsunemimi) often possess the power to confuse or trick others, keeping this idiom relevant in pop culture. Even today, some people jokingly blame a 'fox' when they can't find their keys, showing how deeply the idiom is rooted in the psyche. Many woodblock prints from the Edo period depict foxes wearing lotus leaves on their heads to perform magic, which is the visual basis for this idiom.
Use with 'Youna'
It's most natural when used as an adjective: '{狐|きつね}に{つま|つま}まれたような' + Noun (Face, Feeling, Experience).
Not for Scams
If you lose money to a phishing email, don't use this. Use 'sagi ni au' (to be scammed).
المعنى
To be tricked or confused by something, like a fox's magic.
Use with 'Youna'
It's most natural when used as an adjective: '{狐|きつね}に{つま|つま}まれたような' + Noun (Face, Feeling, Experience).
Not for Scams
If you lose money to a phishing email, don't use this. Use 'sagi ni au' (to be scammed).
Literary Flair
Using this in a Japanese essay about a surprising event will make your writing sound much more native and sophisticated.
اختبر نفسك
Choose the correct particle to complete the idiom.
{狐|きつね}（ ）{つま|つま}まれる
The idiom uses the passive voice, so the agent (the fox) is marked with the particle 'ni'.
In which situation is it MOST natural to use this idiom?
Which scenario fits?
This is a classic 'inexplicable/weird' moment where you feel silly and confused.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
{信|しん}じられないことが{起|お}きて、{狐|きつね}に（ ）ような{気分|きぶん}だ。
The past passive form '{つま|つま}まれた' is used with 'youna' to describe the feeling of having been bewitched.
Fill in the blank in the dialogue.
A: {昨日|きのう}、{誰|だれ}もいないのにドアが開いたんだ。 B: ええっ、それは（ ）ね。
A door opening by itself is a surreal event that fits the idiom perfectly.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
بنك التمارين
4 تمارين{狐|きつね}（ ）{つま|つま}まれる
The idiom uses the passive voice, so the agent (the fox) is marked with the particle 'ni'.
Which scenario fits?
This is a classic 'inexplicable/weird' moment where you feel silly and confused.
{信|しん}じられないことが{起|お}きて、{狐|きつね}に（ ）ような{気分|きぶん}だ。
The past passive form '{つま|つま}まれた' is used with 'youna' to describe the feeling of having been bewitched.
A: {昨日|きのう}、{誰|だれ}もいないのにドアが開いたんだ。 B: ええっ、それは（ ）ね。
A door opening by itself is a surreal event that fits the idiom perfectly.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
5 أسئلةNot at all! While it has old roots, it's used daily in modern Japan to describe surreal moments.
Yes! If you were so shocked you didn't know what to say, it's a perfect fit.
'Odoroku' is just 'to be surprised.' This idiom adds a layer of 'this makes no sense' or 'is this magic?'
Usually, it's written in hiragana or with the kanji {摘|つ}まれる. The kanji {抓|つ}ねられる is rarer for this idiom.
It's neutral. You can use it with friends or with a boss if you use the polite form 'tsumamareru omoi desu.'
عبارات ذات صلة
{狐|きつね}に{化|ば}かされる
similarTo be bewitched/deceived by a fox.
{馬脚|ばきゃく}を{現|あらわ}す
contrastTo reveal one's true character (to show the horse's legs).
{鳩|はと}が{豆鉄砲|まめでっぽう}を{食|く}ったよう
similarLike a pigeon hit by a bean-shooter.
{煙|けむ}に{巻|ま}く
builds onTo bewilder someone (to wrap them in smoke).
