鼠ねずみ算ざん

noun

geometric progression; exponential growth

Refers to the mathematical concept of geometric progression, often illustrated by the rapid multiplication of mice. Used in contexts like 鼠算的に増える (increase exponentially).

• 鼠ねずみ算ざんで計けい算さんすると、わずか数すうか月げつで莫ばく大だいな数かずになる。

  If you calculate it as a geometric progression, it becomes an enormous number in just a few months.

noun

proliferation; multiplying like rats

Figurative use emphasizing rapid, uncontrolled increase, often with a negative connotation. Common in phrases like 鼠算的に増える.

• 放ほう置ちされた空あき家やが鼠ねずみ算ざん的てきに増ふえている。

  Abandoned houses are proliferating like rats.