How do you say "squirrel" in Japanese?

リス

risu

Noun Katakana

In Japanese, "squirrel" is リス (risu).

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Pronunciation

リス is written using katakana. Romanised as risu, it sounds roughly like "ree-soo" to an English ear.

Writing and usage

Risu in katakana is a small forest animal. Modern Japanese often uses katakana for smaller animals and creatures.

Example sentence

リスは昼間よく眠ります。

Risu wa hiruma yoku nemurimasu.

A squirrel often sleeps during the day.

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How to remember リス

Risu sounds quick and zippy. Squirrels dart and scurry fast. The 'ri' sound is sharp like their quick movements.

Related words

Browse all Japanese words in the glossary.

See more farm words.

Questions about リス

How do you pronounce リス?

リス is romanised as risu. Say it roughly like "ree-soo" in English. Each Japanese syllable has even weight, so keep the rhythm steady.

Is リス formal or casual?

リス is a neutral, everyday word that works in both casual and polite speech. The level of formality comes from the sentence structure around it, not from the word itself.

How is リス written in Japanese?

リス is written using katakana. Risu in katakana is a small forest animal.

Where can I practice Japanese words for free?

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"Squirrel" in other languages

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