栗鼠(りす)

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.