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March 24, 2026
鼠shǔ(shu3)
The character 鼠 (shǔ) refers to both 'rat' and 'mouse' in Mandarin. It is commonly used in various contexts, including zoology and idiomatic expressions, often symbolizing cleverness or cunning. Additionally, it is associated with the first animal in the Chinese zodiac, representing traits like resourcefulness and adaptability.
Strokes13Radical鼠Frequency#3750DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the rat is viewed positively in some contexts, particularly in relation to the Lunar New Year, where it symbolizes new beginnings and prosperity. The Year of the Rat is often celebrated with various festivities.
Memory Tip
Imagine a small, sneaky mouse (鼠) scurrying around. The radical for 'mouse' looks like a tiny ear, suggesting its acute hearing and ability to detect danger. Remember that 'shǔ' sounds like 'shoe,' and visualize a mouse wearing a tiny shoe, cleverly navigating its environment.
Meanings of 鼠
shǔ(shu3)
1rat
2mouse
Exercise 1 of 3
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 鼠
鼠Simplified
13Strokes
鼠Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3750Frequency Rank
只Measure Word
HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 鼠
Podcast: 鼠
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AI Study Notes for 鼠
Quick Contrast
鼠 (shǔ) vs 老鼠 (lǎoshǔ) — use 鼠 for general references or symbolic meanings, while 老鼠 specifically refers to a 'mouse' in everyday contexts.
Usage Notes
Be aware of the formal and informal contexts in which you use 鼠. In formal writing, it may be more appropriate to use the word '老鼠' (lǎoshǔ) for 'mouse'. It's often paired with measure words like '只' (zhī) when counting, so remember to use it correctly.
HSK Study Tips
While 鼠 is not currently included in the HSK vocabulary list, it connects to other animal-related characters that might appear in early HSK levels. Focus on understanding its usage in phrases and idioms to enrich your vocabulary.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 鼠 with other animal characters, such as 猫 (māo) for 'cat.' For example, saying '我有一只猫' (Wǒ yǒu yī zhī shǔ) instead of '我有一只鼠' (Wǒ yǒu yī zhī shǔ) can lead to misunderstanding.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 鼠
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1The giveawayA mouse, with two paws to the left and the tail to the right
2On the record aspictographic — someone drew the thing itself.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 鼠? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 鼠?
Decomposition of 鼠
IDS Structure⿱臼？
鼠Full Character
=
臼jiu4
top
Exercise 1 of 1
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 鼠?
How to say rat in Chinese
“rat” in Chinese is鼠shǔ
The character 鼠 (shǔ) refers to both 'rat' and 'mouse' in Mandarin. It is commonly used in various contexts, including zoology and idiomatic expressions, often symbolizing cleverness or cunning. Additionally, it is associated with the first animal in the Chinese zodiac, representing traits like resourcefulness and adaptability.
When to use 鼠
Be aware of the formal and informal contexts in which you use 鼠. In formal writing, it may be more appropriate to use the word '老鼠' (lǎoshǔ) for 'mouse'. It's often paired with measure words like '只' (zhī) when counting, so remember to use it correctly.
鼠 or something close to it
鼠 (shǔ) vs 老鼠 (lǎoshǔ) — use 鼠 for general references or symbolic meanings, while 老鼠 specifically refers to a 'mouse' in everyday contexts.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 鼠 with other animal characters, such as 猫 (māo) for 'cat.' For example, saying '我有一只猫' (Wǒ yǒu yī zhī shǔ) instead of '我有一只鼠' (Wǒ yǒu yī zhī shǔ) can lead to misunderstanding.
Write 鼠
鼠
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Practice writing 鼠 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 鼠
鼠 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 2 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
Complete the Sentence
在他看来，这是个猫捉老____的把戏，而我就是老鼠。
It's a cat-and-mouse game to him, and I'm the mouse.
Common Confusions with 鼠
鼠vs树
shù
Similar pronunciation but different meaning.
鼠vs熟
shú
Similar pronunciation but different meaning.
Exercise 1 of 1
Spot the Difference
Which character means "rat"?
or
Example Sentences for 鼠 (14)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
在他看来，这是个猫捉老鼠的把戏，而我就是老鼠。
zài tā kàn lái， ， zhè shì gè māo zhuō lǎo shǔ de bǎ， xì ， ér wǒ jiù shì。
It's a cat-and-mouse game to him, and I'm the mouse.
2
奶酪是引诱老鼠上钩的极好的东西.
nǎi lào shì yǐn yòu lǎo shǔ shàng gōu de jí hǎo de dōng xī.
Cheese is very good for luring a mouse into a trap.
We found rat holes in the warehouse, which need to be addressed immediately.
14
他对鼠标的灵活运用就像是对鼠的捕捉一样熟练。
Tā duì shǔ biāo de línghuó yùnyòng jiù xiàng shì duì shǔ de bǔzhuō yīyàng shúliàn.
His skillful use of the computer mouse is as adept as catching a rat.
Word Family of 鼠
Compounds31
鼬you4weasel, mustela itatis
鼹yan3a kind of insectivorous rodent
鼯wu2flying squirrel
巤lie4a mouse's whiskers; a horse's mane; a fish's dorsal fin
癙
鼢fen2a variety of mole
鼩qu2shrew
鼪
鼫
鼭
鼱jing1shrew
鼷xi1mouse
竄cuan4to run away; to expel; to revise, to edit
躥cuan1to jump, to leap; to gush, to spurt
鑹
鬛
鼣
鼤
鼥
鼦
鼧
鼨
鼮
鼰
鼲
鼳
鼴yan3a kind of insectivorous rodent
鼵
鼶
鼸
鼺
Words Containing This Character20
鼠shǔrat
老鼠lǎoshǔrat
鼠标shǔbiāomouse (computing)鼠標
松鼠squirrel
袋鼠kangaroo
鼠疫plague
鼹鼠mole (zoology)鼴鼠
仓鼠hamster倉鼠
米老鼠Mickey Mouse
黄鼠狼Siberian weasel黃鼠狼
田鼠vole
豚鼠guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)
土拨鼠groundhog土撥鼠
小白鼠little white mouse (esp. laboratory animal)
鼠辈a scoundrel鼠輩
天竺鼠cavy
过街老鼠target of scorn過街老鼠
鼠药rat poison鼠藥
捕鼠器mousetrap
鼠目寸光short-sighted
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 鼬 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鼠
Yes, 鼠 is used in several Chinese idioms and expressions. For instance, '鼠目寸光' (shǔ mù cùn guāng) means 'a mouse's eye sees only an inch,' referring to someone who has a narrow perspective or limited vision.
The measure word for 鼠 is 隻 (zhī), which is used for individual animals. For example, you would say '一只鼠' (yī zhī shǔ) to mean 'one rat' or 'one mouse.'
鼠 (shǔ) means 'rat' or 'mouse' in Chinese. It can refer to both the animal itself and is also used in various contexts related to rodents. In the Chinese zodiac, 鼠 represents the first sign, symbolizing intelligence and adaptability.
You can use 鼠 (shǔ) in sentences like '我看到一只鼠在屋子里' (Wǒ kàn dào yī zhī shǔ zài wūzi lǐ), which means 'I saw a mouse in the room.' It can also be used in idiomatic expressions or in the context of the zodiac.
鼠 is a more general term for 'rat' or 'mouse,' whereas 老鼠 specifically refers to a 'mouse' and often implies a domesticated or less formal context.
Yes, 鼠 is used in idioms like '鼠目寸光' (shǔ mù cùn guāng), meaning 'to have a narrow view' or lack foresight.
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