deer

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 鹿 denotes a deer; its on-reading is ろく, and its kun-readings are しか and か.
• Basic usage: Standalone 鹿 refers to a deer, while 子鹿 refers specifically to a young deer or fawn.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 鹿 / 子鹿
  • 鹿: Read as しか, this basic noun refers to a deer. Example: 森の向こうに一頭の鹿が見えた。
  • 子鹿: Read as こじか, this word refers to a young deer or fawn. Example: 森の入り口で母鹿に寄り添う子鹿を見ました。