栗 鼠(りす)

りす

noun

squirrel

1. squirrel

A small rodent with a bushy tail, known for climbing trees and storing nuts.

栗鼠(りす)が木(き)の実(み)を集(あつ)めている。

A squirrel is gathering nuts.

公園(こうえん)で栗鼠(りす)を見(み)かけた。

I spotted a squirrel in the park.

栗鼠(りす)は頬袋(ほおぶくろ)に餌(えさ)を詰(つ)め込(こ)む。

Squirrels stuff food into their cheek pouches.

栗鼠(りす) refers to squirrels. The kanji literally means "chestnut mouse."

Alternative writing: リス (katakana, very common)

Types in Japan:

ニホンリス (Japanese squirrel)
エゾリス (Hokkaido squirrel)
タイワンリス (Taiwanese squirrel - introduced species)
シマリス (chipmunk)

Common expressions:

栗鼠(りす)のように頬(ほお)を膨(ふく)らませる (to puff out one's cheeks like a squirrel)
回(まわ)し車(ぐるま) (hamster/squirrel wheel)

Counter: 匹(ひき)

Note:
Squirrels are popular as cute animals in Japan and are kept as pets (especially シマリス/chipmunks). The introduced Taiwanese squirrel has become an invasive species in some areas like Kamakura.

general

Added 2026.1.14 20:02 · Revised 2026.5.31 22:06

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