🇯🇵 How to say

“insect” in Japanese

虫むし
Illustration of "insect" in a Japanese cultural setting
A child with a net chases a brightly colored butterfly fluttering over a sunlit meadow, while a ladybug crawls along a blade of grass nearby.

Usage note

虫 is a general word for small creatures like insects and bugs, often used by children or in casual conversation. In Japan, many people enjoy insect collecting in summer, especially catching beetles and cicadas.

Examples

  • あ、虫がいる！

    Ah, there's a bug!

  • 虫がすきです。

    I like insects.

  • この虫はなに？

    What is this insect?

Quick check

What does "虫" mean?

  • A. insect
  • B. foot
  • C. older sister
  • D. sea

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