Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
鼷 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
鼷xīmousezg, 23 strokes, radical 鼠
xī(xi1)xi T1
  1. 1mouse
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

鼷xī(xi1)

The character 鼷 (xī) refers specifically to a type of small rodent, often translated as 'mouse.' It is used in biological and scientific contexts but is less common in everyday conversation compared to the more general term for mouse, 老鼠 (lǎoshǔ). The character emphasizes the small size and specific nature of the animal.

Strokes23Radical鼠
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, mice can symbolize cleverness and the ability to adapt. They are often seen in folklore and stories, sometimes portrayed as tricksters, which reflects their quick and agile nature.

Memory tip

Think of the character 鼷 as a 'tiny mouse' scurrying around. The radical 鼠 (shǔ) means 'rat' or 'mouse,' and you can imagine the small 'x' shape in the middle representing the quick movement of a tiny creature. Picture it sneaking through a maze, quick and elusive.

Meanings of 鼷

xī(xi1)
1mouse
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 鼷 means.

About 鼷

鼷Simplified
23Strokes
鼠Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 鼷

JasonAmy

Podcast: 鼷

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI study notes for 鼷

Usage Notes

Be mindful that 鼷 is not commonly used in casual conversation; instead, use 老鼠 (lǎoshǔ) for everyday references to mice. It is more prevalent in scientific contexts, so it’s important to know your audience when using this term. Avoid confusing it with other rodent-related terms.

HSK Study Tips

Although 鼷 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it can be useful for learners at higher levels interested in biology or animal studies. Focus on understanding the context in which this character might appear and how it relates to other animal vocabulary.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 鼷 with 老鼠, using it in contexts where 老鼠 would be more appropriate. For example, saying '我看到一只鼷在厨房' (I saw a 鼷 in the kitchen) should be corrected to '我看到一只老鼠在厨房.'

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 鼷

Premium — Locked

Tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 鼷, 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 鼷 to you

Let me explain 鼷 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 鼷 through them.

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

How well do you know 鼷?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 鼷 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 鼷

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

mouse

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

Origin

鼷 = 鼠 + 奚. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 鼷

IDS Structure⿰鼠奚
鼷Full character
=
鼠shu3
left
奚Xi1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 鼷?

How to say mouse in Chinese

“mouse” in Chinese is鼷xī

The character 鼷 (xī) refers specifically to a type of small rodent, often translated as 'mouse.' It is used in biological and scientific contexts but is less common in everyday conversation compared to the more general term for mouse, 老鼠 (lǎoshǔ). The character emphasizes the small size and specific nature of the animal.

When to use 鼷

Be mindful that 鼷 is not commonly used in casual conversation; instead, use 老鼠 (lǎoshǔ) for everyday references to mice. It is more prevalent in scientific contexts, so it’s important to know your audience when using this term. Avoid confusing it with other rodent-related terms.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 鼷 with 老鼠, using it in contexts where 老鼠 would be more appropriate. For example, saying '我看到一只鼷在厨房' (I saw a 鼷 in the kitchen) should be corrected to '我看到一只老鼠在厨房.'

Write 鼷

鼷

Practice writing 鼷 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 鼷?

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 鼷

Words containing this character1
鼷xīmouse

Frequently asked questions about 鼷

No, 鼷 is more commonly found in scientific contexts rather than in everyday conversation.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 鼷?

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