Definition

1. Noun:
   • Shrew: A small, insectivorous mammal with a pointed snout, tiny eyes, and velvety fur, resembling a mouse but not a true rodent. Shrews are known for their high metabolism and active hunting behavior.
   • Shrew-mouse: A common, direct translation of the compound word "chuột chù," reflecting its mouse-like appearance.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Trong vườn có một con chuột chù. (There is a shrew in the garden.)
  • Chuột chù ăn côn trùng và giun. (The shrew eats insects and worms.)
  • Nó nhỏ như chuột chù. (It's as small as a shrew.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "chuột chù" is a zoological term. In literature or folklore, it may symbolize something small, insignificant, or voracious due to the animal's characteristics.

Variants and Related Words

• Chuột (n): mouse; rat. This is the general term for rodent-like animals, while "chuột chù" specifies a shrew.
• Chuột chũi (n): mole. A different small mammal adapted for burrowing.

Synonyms

• Shrew: The primary and most accurate biological term.
• Insectivore: Describes its dietary habit, though this is a category, not a direct synonym.

Related Idioms and Expressions

• While there are no widely recognized idioms specifically with "chuột chù," its base word "chuột" appears in many expressions. The shrew itself might be referenced in descriptive phrases about small size or frantic activity, e.g., (as busy as a shrew).

1. Shrew-mouse