Definitions

shòu (noun) beast; wild animal
shòu (adjective) brutal; savage

Etymology

Depicts using a hunting tool () and a dog () to hunt for and capture wild animals. Original form of . was later added as a distinguishing mark. The meaning later shifted to "beast". The traditional component was deleted for simplification.

About

The traditional character originally combined (a hunting tool) and (dog) to depict hunting wild animals, and was the early form of . Later, was added as a distinguishing mark, and the meaning shifted to "beast". The simplified form removes the dog radical entirely, condensing the left component into a standalone character. Today it denotes four-legged mammals, particularly wild or predatory creatures, and often carries a metaphorical sense of savage or inhumane behavior.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Warring States (~400 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

森林里有野

Sēnlín li yǒu yěshòu.

There are wild beasts in the forest.

医治疗生病动物。

Shòuyī zhìliáo shēngbìng dòngwù.

The veterinarian treats sick animals.

动物园里有许多类。

Dòngwùyuán li yǒu xǔduō shòulèi.

There are many animals in the zoo.

通常生活在野外。

Měngshòu tōngcháng shēnghuó zài yěwài.

Fierce beasts usually live in the wild.

保护野生动物非常重要。

Bǎohù yěshēng dòngwù fēicháng zhòngyào.

Protecting wild animals is very important.

皮在古代被用作衣物。

Shòupí zài gǔdài bèi yòng zuò yīwù.

Animal hides were used as clothing in ancient times.

人类与类共享这个星球。

Rénlèi yǔ shòulèi gòngxiǎng zhège xīngqiú.

Humans and animals share this planet.

科学家研究类的行为模式。

Kēxuéjiā yánjiū shòulèi de xíngwéi móshì.

Scientists study the behavior patterns of animals.