Meanings of 鼬
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About 鼬
Podcast: 鼬
Podcast: 鼬
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AI Study Notes for 鼬
Although 鼬 is a specific term, it is less commonly used in everyday conversation compared to other animals. Be careful not to confuse it with related terms like 鼬鼠 (yòu shǔ), which refers specifically to the weasel mouse. Use it in a formal context when discussing wildlife.
As 鼬 is not part of the HSK vocabulary lists, it may not be directly relevant for learners focusing on HSK levels. However, knowing this word can enhance your vocabulary related to animals and nature, which can be beneficial for advanced learners.
Learners often confuse 鼬 with similar sounding animals like 狐狸 (hú li, fox) or 猫 (māo, cat). Remember that 鼬 specifically refers to the weasel, which has distinct characteristics compared to these other animals.
Pronunciation of 鼬
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Etymology of 鼬
Phonosemantic compound. 鼠 represents the meaning and 由 represents the sound.
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Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 鼬
Phonosemantic compound. 鼠 represents the meaning and 由 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half鼠 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half由 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayrat
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 鼬? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 鼬
Identify the Components
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How to say weasel, mustela itatis in Chinese
“weasel, mustela itatis” in Chinese is鼬
The character 鼬 (yòu) refers to a type of small carnivorous mammal, specifically the weasel, known for its elongated body and agility. This term is often used in biological or ecological contexts when discussing wildlife or animal behavior.
When to use 鼬
Although 鼬 is a specific term, it is less commonly used in everyday conversation compared to other animals. Be careful not to confuse it with related terms like 鼬鼠 (yòu shǔ), which refers specifically to the weasel mouse. Use it in a formal context when discussing wildlife.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 鼬 with similar sounding animals like 狐狸 (hú li, fox) or 猫 (māo, cat). Remember that 鼬 specifically refers to the weasel, which has distinct characteristics compared to these other animals.
Write 鼬
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Grammar Patterns of 鼬
鼬 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
狐狸、獾、黄鼠狼和白____在这里很常见。
Fox, badger, weasel and stoat are regularly seen here.
Example Sentences for 鼬 (1)
Word Family of 鼬
Compound Meaning
What does 鼬 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鼬
鼬 (yòu) refers to the weasel itself, while 鼬鼠 (yòu shǔ) specifically refers to the weasel mouse, a different but related species.
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