鼷 (xī) - Mouse, specifically referring to a small mouse species & often used in classical texts and scientific names.

鼷Tone 1

xī ｜ 23 strokes ｜ radical:

万响

鼷 · xī

Mouse, specifically referring to a small mouse species;

often used in classical texts and scientific names.

Mouse, specifically referring to a small mouse speciesoften used in classical texts and scientific names.

Usage highlights

Striped field mouseMicrotus genusSmall rodentField mouseMouse speciesClassical mouse

Synonyms

  • 鼠— mouse/rat (general term)
  • 小鼠— small mouse

Antonyms

  • 猫— cat (natural predator)
  • 大— big/large (antonym of small)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The striped field mouse (鼷鼠) is common in East Asia.
  • Ancient texts mention the 鼷鼠 as a small rodent.
  • In biology, Microtus is sometimes called 鼷鼠属.
  • The character appears in classical Chinese literature (e.g., 鼷鼠饮河).

Collocations

  • Striped field mouse(鼷鼠)
  • Microtus genus(鼷鼠属)
  • Small rodent(小鼷鼠)
  • Field mouse(田鼷鼠)
  • Mouse species(鼷鼠种)
  • Classical mouse(古鼷)

Idioms

  • The mouse drinks from the river(鼷鼠饮河)
  • A mouse's ambition(鼷鼠之志)
  • Like a mouse avoiding a cat(如鼷避猫)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Appears in classical Chinese texts as a specific term for small mice, distinguishing them from larger rodents.
  • Used in traditional biological classifications in East Asia.
  • Sometimes appears in literary contexts to symbolize smallness or insignificance.

FAQ