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兽 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
兽
shòu
beast
n, 11 strokes, radical 丷, rank #4944, Hard
兽
shòu
animal
n, 11 strokes, radical 丷, rank #4944, Hard
兽
shòu
beastly
n, 11 strokes, radical 丷, rank #4944, Hard
兽
shòu
bestial
n, 11 strokes, radical 丷, rank #4944, Hard
shòu(shou4)shou T4
1beast
2animal
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March 24, 2026
兽(獸)shòu(shou4)
The character 兽 (shòu) refers to beasts or animals, often with a connotation of wildness or ferocity. It can describe both real animals and metaphorically denote beastly or savage behavior in humans. Common usage includes references to wild animals in literature or discussions about nature.
Strokes11Radical丷Frequency#4944DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, 兽 often appears in folklore and mythology, representing powerful creatures and their symbolism in stories. For example, the four legendary beasts (青龙, 朱雀, 白虎, and 玄武) are referred to using this character, highlighting its significance in cultural narratives.
Memory tip
Imagine a 'show' where wild beasts are displayed. The character 兽 resembles a beast with its strong form, and the pronunciation 'shòu' sounds like 'show.' Picture a dramatic show featuring a ferocious lion to remember that 兽 represents animals, particularly wild ones.
Meanings of 兽
shòu(shou4)
1beast
2animal
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 兽
兽Simplified
獸Traditional
11Strokes
丷Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#4944Frequency Rank
Podcast: 兽
Podcast: 兽
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AI study notes for 兽
Quick Contrast
兽 (shòu) vs 动物 (dòngwù) — use 兽 for wild or ferocious animals, while 动物 is a general term for any animal.
Usage Notes
When using 兽, it's important to note that it typically refers to wild or feral animals rather than domestic ones. Avoid using it in overly formal contexts as it can sound dramatic; prefer 动物 (dòngwù) for general animal references. Be cautious with tones, as mispronouncing shòu could lead to confusion with other words.
HSK Study Tips
Although 兽 is not in the official HSK levels, it connects with other vocabulary related to animals (like 动物). Students should focus on recognizing its usage in compound words and phrases related to wildlife and bestial traits.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 兽 with 动物 (dòngwù), assuming they are interchangeable. Remember, 动物 is more general and includes domestic animals, while 兽 specifically refers to wild or beastly animals. For example, saying '我有一只兽' (wǒ yǒu yī zhī shòu - I have a beast) is incorrect if referring to a pet; use '动物' instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 兽
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Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 兽 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The character 兽 (shòu) refers to beasts or animals, often with a connotation of wildness or ferocity. It can describe both real animals and metaphorically denote beastly or savage behavior in humans. Common usage includes references to wild animals in literature or discussions about nature.
When to use 兽
When using 兽, it's important to note that it typically refers to wild or feral animals rather than domestic ones. Avoid using it in overly formal contexts as it can sound dramatic; prefer 动物 (dòngwù) for general animal references. Be cautious with tones, as mispronouncing shòu could lead to confusion with other words.
兽 or something close to it
兽 (shòu) vs 动物 (dòngwù) — use 兽 for wild or ferocious animals, while 动物 is a general term for any animal.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes confuse 兽 with 动物 (dòngwù), assuming they are interchangeable. Remember, 动物 is more general and includes domestic animals, while 兽 specifically refers to wild or beastly animals. For example, saying '我有一只兽' (wǒ yǒu yī zhī shòu - I have a beast) is incorrect if referring to a pet; use '动物' instead.
Write 兽
兽
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Practice writing 兽 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 兽
兽 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他还像一头困____一样蜷缩着坐在那儿。
He was still sitting huddled like a cornered animal.
