書 is the most simple way to say “book” in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.

書 is usually read as “book” but can refer to a letter, or document.

In a certain context, it can refer to writing, penmanship, or handwriting. Especially in Chinese, it can be a short way to say calligraphy.

If you love books or want to write books, this is the simple, all-encompassing character for you.

恕 means to forgive, show mercy, absolve, or excuse in Chinese and Korean Hanja (though mostly used in compound words in Korean).

恕 incorporates the pictogram of a heart at the bottom, and a woman and a mouth at the top. The heart portion has the most significance, as it is suggested that it is the heart's nature to forgive.
In Asian culture, as with most other cultures, forgiveness is an act of benevolence and altruism. In forgiving, you put yourself in someone else's shoes and show them the kindness that you would want them to show you. Confucius referred to this quality as “human-heartedness.”

朱 means vermilion or cinnabar - a reddish or slightly orange-red color.

朱 is also a surname Zhu in Mandarin and Gee in Cantonese. However, choose carefully, as this is not the only Zhu/Gee surname.

鼠 is the character for rat (and sometimes mouse) in Chinese, old Korean, and Japanese.

If you were born in the year of the Rat, you . . .

Are sensitive and smart.
Easily adapting to new environments.
Have a curious nature.
Are good at using the opportunities that are presented to you.

In some contexts, this character could mean “mouse.”

See also our Chinese Zodiac page.

葡萄酒 is the Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja for wine.

Very specifically, this is for grape wine (an important distinction in Asia where most wines were rice-based until western influences came into play).

The first word, 葡萄 literally means grape (or grapevine), and 酒 means alcohol (generic term for alcohol, sake, wine, liquor).

手裏剣 is the title for a shuriken or throwing star.

This small throwing blade is also referred to as a ninja star.

酒池肉林 is a Chinese idiom that is also somewhat known in Japanese and Korean.

This literally means “lakes of wine and forests of meat.”

Figuratively, it refers to debauchery, sumptuous entertainment, a sumptuous feast, or any kind of ridiculously-lavish spread of food and wine.