September 17, 2026 · 星期四
The Clever Rat
老鼠· rat
Today’s episode with Jason & AmyThe rat, or 鼠 (shǔ), is a symbol of cleverness and resourcefulness in Chinese culture.
白露 is named for the glistening dew that beads on grass and leaves as cool nights condense the air's moisture. The temperature gap between day and night widens sharply, and a clear autumn crispness sets in.
In some regions people brew "白露 tea" or rice wine, and gather ten kinds of white-named herbs to make a nourishing tonic.
The Clever Rat
老鼠lǎo shǔ
In Chinese mythology, the rat, or 鼠 (shǔ), holds a place of honor as the first animal in the Chinese zodiac. The story of how the rat secured this position is both engaging and illustrative of its clever nature. According to legend, the Jade Emperor declared a race to determine the order of the zodiac animals. Many animals participated, but it was the resourceful rat that won, securing its place as the first sign. The rat's victory was achieved by riding on the back of the ox and jumping off its head to cross the finish line first[1]. This cleverness is celebrated as a defining trait of those born under this sign, suggesting they are quick-witted and adaptable.
The significance of the rat extends beyond just the zodiac. In traditional Chinese culture, the rat is often seen as a symbol of wealth and surplus due to its ability to find and store food. This association with abundance is reflected in various aspects of Chinese art and literature, further reinforcing the cultural admiration for the rat's ingenuity and survival skills[2].
Today, on September 17, 2026, we reflect on the rich symbolism of the rat as it continues to play a role in cultural narratives and personal identities. The rat's story reminds us of the value placed on intelligence and resourcefulness in overcoming challenges. As we learn the word 鼠, it is an opportunity to delve deeper into these cultural stories and appreciate the wisdom they offer.
The rat, or 鼠 (shǔ), is a symbol of cleverness and resourcefulness in Chinese culture.
老鼠赢了比赛。
Lǎoshǔ yíngle bǐsài.
The rat won the race.
- [1] 《十二生肖故事》, a classic collection of Chinese zodiac tales.
- [2] 《中国文化象征》, a book on Chinese cultural symbols and their meanings.
Jason & Amy on 鼠
Podcast: Dragon Daily: The Clever Rat — and the word 鼠
Jason & Amy on The Clever Rat and 鼠
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September 17, 2026
Today in Chinese cultural history, we explore the life of a notable Chinese naval captain and a prince of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period.
Death of Li Jingsui, Chinese Prince 李景遂
Li Jingsui was a prince during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period in China. He held significant influence in the Southern Tang state, which was known for its cultural and economic prosperity.
Li Jingsui's life reflects the complexity and cultural richness of the period he lived in.
Read more
鼠是第一名。
Shǔ shì dì yī míng.
The rat is first.
This sentence states the rat's position in the zodiac.
老鼠很聪明。
Lǎoshǔ hěn cōngmíng.
The rat is very clever.
Here, the word describes the rat's intelligence.
鼠标是一种工具。
Shǔbiāo shì yī zhǒng gōngjù.
A mouse is a kind of tool.
This refers to a computer mouse, highlighting different uses of 鼠.
在商场如同鼠般机智。
Zài shāngchǎng rútóng shǔ bān jīzhì.
In the marketplace, be as clever as a rat.
This sentence uses 鼠 metaphorically to describe cleverness.
Comparative structure using 比
A 比 B + adjective
The structure 'A 比 B + adjective' is used to compare two things, indicating that A has more of the quality described by the adjective than B does.
Use this pattern when comparing two subjects directly.
老鼠比牛快。
Lǎoshǔ bǐ niú kuài.
The rat is faster than the ox.
他比我高。
Tā bǐ wǒ gāo.
He is taller than me.
今天比昨天冷。
Jīntiān bǐ zuótiān lěng.
Today is colder than yesterday.
What does 鼠 mean?
How is 鼠 pronounced?
How do you write "rat" in Chinese?
Listen. What does the sentence mean?
在商场如同___般机智。(In the marketplace, be as clever as a ___.)
老鼠很聪明。 — What does this sentence mean?
What position does the rat hold in the Chinese zodiac?
Arrange into a correct sentence
Li Jingsui was a prince during which Chinese historical period?
Frequently asked questions about the word 鼠
鼠 is a more general term for 'rat' or 'mouse,' whereas 老鼠 specifically refers to a 'mouse' and often implies a domesticated or less formal context.
You might say '我看到了一只鼠' (Wǒ kàn dào le yī zhī shǔ) which means 'I saw a rat/mouse.'
Yes, 鼠 is used in idioms like '鼠目寸光' (shǔ mù cùn guāng), meaning 'to have a narrow view' or lack foresight.
Chinese Learner’s Horoscope
Your sign’s reading for today, written for learners.
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The Chinese zodiac assigns each birth year one of twelve animals, each paired with an element that colours its character. Yours shapes a reading written for learners.
- Your sign and its elementOne of twelve animals on a 12-year cycle
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- A learning horoscopeWhat to study today, and when
- A lucky characterWith pinyin, meaning and a study tip
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Today's Mandarin word: 鼠 (shǔ) — rat.
Learn it on Mandarin Temple's Dragon Daily 🐉