Gumiho Meaning and Definition
Gumiho
Pronunciation
/ˈɡu.mi.ho/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
In Korean folklore, a gumiho (, nine-tailed fox) is a mythical creature with nine tails, symbolizing wisdom, power, and beauty. It is often depicted as a beautiful woman with nine tails, said to have the power to grant wishes.
Etymology
The word “gumiho” is derived from the Korean words “gumi” (), meaning “nine”, and “ho” (), meaning “fox”.
Usage Notes
The term “gumiho” is largely used in Korean folklore and literature to describe this mythical creature. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation.
Cultural References
Gumiho has appeared in various forms of Korean media, including films, TV dramas, and literature. A notable example is the K-drama series “My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho”, which tells the story of a college student who falls in love with a gumiho.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Gumiho’s nine tails are sometimes used as a metaphor for wisdom, power, or beauty in Korean idioms and phrases.
Related Words or Phrases
Yokai (), a Japanese term for supernatural creatures, is sometimes used to describe similar mythical creatures found in Korean folklore.
Collocations
Gumiho is often paired with words like “beautiful”, “powerful”, or “wise” to emphasize its extraordinary characteristics.
The term “gumiho” is relatively rare in modern language, largely used in academic or cultural contexts.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of the word “gumiho” include “gumihoe”, “gimeho”, or “gumihoa”.