white-toothed shrew; shrew (genus Crocidura)
Refers to shrews of the genus Crocidura, small insectivorous mammals. In everyday contexts, it may be used loosely for any shrew.
庭でジネズミを見つけた。
I found a shrew in the garden.
Shrews are not related to moles.
Ryukyu shrew; Orii's shrew
Dsinezumi shrew; Japanese white-toothed shrew
Watase's shrew; lesser Ryukyu shrew
Katakana spelling is common for this animal name; usually written in kana.
Kanji form is rare and may not be widely recognized; learners should use the kana spelling.
Compound of 地 (ji, 'ground') and 鼠 (nezumi, 'mouse/rat'), literally 'ground mouse'. The exact derivation is uncertain, but the name likely refers to its terrestrial, mouse-like appearance.