Hai Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Rat (shǔ) Entry: Qu Kangxi stroke count: 18 Page 1528, Entry 10 Pronounced qu. Shuowen Jiezi (Explanation of Simple and Compound Characters) states: it is a refined rat. Erya (Approaching Elegance), section on beasts: the qu rat. Commentary states: it is a small shrew. Also known as qu.