獐 (zhāng) - A kind of river deer, roe deer, or & also used metaphorically for a timid or furtive

獐Tone 1

zhāng ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

悦丈

獐 · zhāng

A kind of river deer, roe deer, or musk deer (genus Hydropotes inermis);

also used metaphorically for a timid or furtive person.

A kind of river deer, roe deer, oralso used metaphorically for a timid or furtive

Usage highlights

River deerMusk deerTimid as a deerDeer and hareDeer antlersWild deer

Synonyms

  • 麋— elk, milu deer; another type of deer
  • 鹿— deer (general term)

Antonyms

  • 狮— lion (symbol of courage, opposite of timid deer)
  • 虎— tiger (symbol of bravery, opposite of timid deer)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The river deer (獐子) is a small deer species native to China and Korea.
  • He was as timid as a river deer (胆小如獐).
  • The wildlife reserve protects the habitat of the Chinese water deer (獐).
  • Ancient texts mention the musk deer (香獐) for its valuable scent gland.

Collocations

  • River deer(獐子)
  • Musk deer(香獐)
  • Timid as a deer(獐头鼠目)
  • Deer and hare(獐麇马鹿)
  • Deer antlers(獐角)
  • Wild deer(野獐)

Idioms

  • Shifty-eyed and rat-headed (獐头鼠目) — describing a sly, untrustworthy appearance.
  • Deer mistaken for horse (指獐为马) — variant of 'deer called horse', meaning deliberate misrepresentation.
  • Hares and deer run wild (獐奔鼠窜) — describing chaotic flight or disorderly scattering.

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The獐 (river deer) appears in classical Chinese literature and poetry as a symbol of wilderness and timidity.
  • In traditional Chinese medicine and culture, the musk deer (香獐) was historically valued for musk, a fragrant substance used in perfumes and medicine.
  • The character獐 is often used metaphorically to describe a nervous, furtive, or suspicious-looking person, as in the idiom獐头鼠目.

FAQ