How to Write 貅 (xiū) — Meaning “a mythical fierce beast”

Imagine a fierce mythical beast that takes a rest (休) after a battle — the left side 豸 shows it is an animal, and the right side 休 suggests it is resting. This visual of a resting beast can help link the sound and meaning.

Write the left radical 豸 first with its specific strokes (dot, left-falling stroke, etc.), then write the right part 休 starting with 人 then 木. A common mistake is making the right side too wide — keep it balanced so the character does not look stretched.

貅 (xiū) has the right part 休, while 貂 (diāo) has 召 and 貇 (kěn) has 艮. Visually, these right-side components are distinct. In meaning, 貂 refers to a mink animal, 貇 is rare and often means "to gnaw," but 貅 is only used in the mythical creature 貔貅.

貅 is almost never used alone; it appears only in the word 貔貅 (pí xiū), a mythical auspicious creature that is said to attract wealth and ward off evil. In Chinese culture, 貔貅 statues are often placed in homes or businesses for good luck.

Common words containing 貅 include: 貔貅 (pí xiū) — Pixiu (mythical auspicious creature); 貅虎 (xiū hǔ) — brave and fierce warriors; 貅兵 (xiū bīng) — brave troops.