Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
鼩 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
鼩qúshrewzg, 18 strokes, radical 鼠
qú(qu2)qu T2
  1. 1shrew
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

鼩qú(qu2)

The character 鼩 (qú) refers to a type of small mammal, specifically a shrew. It is often used in combination with other characters, such as in 鼩鼱 (qú jīng), which denotes a specific species of shrew. The term emphasizes the small size and insectivorous nature of these creatures, commonly found in various environments.

Strokes18Radical鼠
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, animals like shrews may not have significant symbolic meanings, but they are part of the rich biodiversity discussions in ecological contexts. Understanding such terms can enhance appreciation for local wildlife.

Memory tip

Think of the character 鼩 as resembling an animal peeking out from the bush, with the 'ear' radical (耳) hinting at its small, mammalian form. Imagine a shrew with big ears scurrying around, helping you recall both its sound 'qú' and its meaning.

Meanings of 鼩

qú(qu2)
1shrew
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 鼩 means.

About 鼩

鼩Simplified
18Strokes
鼠Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 鼩

JasonAmy

Podcast: 鼩

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI study notes for 鼩

Usage Notes

This character is rarely used in everyday conversation; it is more likely to appear in scientific or literary contexts. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar-sounding words. When discussing wildlife, using the correct names for animals is important to avoid misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

Although 鼩 is not listed in the HSK vocabulary, students can benefit from learning it in the context of animal-related vocabulary. Focus on the pronunciation and practice using it in sentences about nature or biology to enhance retention.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mispronounce 鼩 as 'qǔ' instead of 'qú', confusing it with other similar-sounding words. Additionally, some may mistakenly use it in common conversation instead of more familiar animal terms.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 鼩

Premium — Locked

Tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 鼩, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsPitch drawing+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 鼩 to you

Let me explain 鼩 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 鼩 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

How well do you know 鼩?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 鼩 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.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Etymology of 鼩

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory hint

rat

Semantic (meaning)鼠
+
Phonetic (sound)句
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

鼩 = 鼠 + 句. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 鼩

IDS Structure⿰鼠句
鼩Full character
=
鼠shu3
left
句gou1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 鼩?

How to say shrew in Chinese

“shrew” in Chinese is鼩qú

The character 鼩 (qú) refers to a type of small mammal, specifically a shrew. It is often used in combination with other characters, such as in 鼩鼱 (qú jīng), which denotes a specific species of shrew. The term emphasizes the small size and insectivorous nature of these creatures, commonly found in various environments.

When to use 鼩

This character is rarely used in everyday conversation; it is more likely to appear in scientific or literary contexts. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar-sounding words. When discussing wildlife, using the correct names for animals is important to avoid misunderstandings.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mispronounce 鼩 as 'qǔ' instead of 'qú', confusing it with other similar-sounding words. Additionally, some may mistakenly use it in common conversation instead of more familiar animal terms.

Write 鼩

鼩

Practice writing 鼩 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 鼩?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

Word Family of 鼩

Words containing this character1
鼩qúshrew (zoology)

Frequently asked questions about 鼩

It means 'shrew', which is a small insectivorous mammal.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 鼩?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab