[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Natural-World \ #Animals # 鼠 shǔ mouse， rat ## Components [[鼠 (shǔ)]] [[臼 (jiù)]] [[乚 (yǐ)]] [[丶 (zhǔ)]] ## Meaning The character 鼠 (shǔ) retains its original meaning of describing rodents, particularly mice or rats, in modern usage. These animals are significant in both cultural contexts, where they feature in folklore and symbolism, and practical contexts, where they can be pests and carriers of disease. ## History The character 鼠 (shǔ) evolved from a pictographic representation of a mouse and continues to represent rodents in modern usage. Mice are known for their small size, long tails, and ability to transmit diseases, making them significant in both cultural and practical contexts. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ？ ### Bronze Script ？ ### Seal Script ![[鼠 sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[鼠 cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[鼠 reg.svg]]