The compound word 妖精 is formed by combining two characters, each with distinct yet complementary meanings: 妖 (yāo), which denotes something supernatural, bizarre, or seductively mischievous, often with a negative or dangerous connotation, and 精 (jīng), which refers to a spirit, essence, or refined being (like in 精灵, spirit). Together, they create a term for a mythical creature, commonly translated as "goblin", "demon", or "foxy enchantress", that embodies a spirit of seduction, trickery, or supernatural allure, often depicted in folklore as a shape-shifting being (like a fox spirit) that blurs the line between captivating beauty and malevolent danger.