Japanese word

虫

Pronunciation

Romajimushi

Meaning

  • nounbug

Example

机の上に虫がいます。tsukue no ue ni mushi ga i ma su

There is a bug on the desk.

Illustration for 虫 (bug)

More examples

庭で虫を見つけました。niwa de mushi o mi tsu ke ma shi ta

I found a bug in the garden.

窓を開けたら、虫が入ってきました。mado o a ke ta ra mushi ga hai tte ki ma shi ta

When I opened the window, a bug came in.

Core concept

Refers to a small creature, especially an insect, without specifying its exact kind.

Common phrases

  • 虫に刺されるmushi ni sa sa re ru

    be bitten by a bug

  • 虫を見つけるmushi o mi tsu ke ru

    find a bug

  • 虫を捕まえるmushi o tsuka ma e ru

    catch a bug

  • 虫の声mushi no koe

    sound of insects

  • 虫を追い払うmushi o o i hara u

    drive away a bug

Similar words

昆虫konchū: An insect with six legs and a body divided into three parts.

Definition in Japanese

昆虫などの小さな生き物。kon chū na do no chii sa na i ki mono

Word origin

The Japanese noun 虫 (mushi) is native rather than a borrowing, while the character 虫 (chū, "insect") serves as its conventional written form.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 虫 (mushi) often refers to insects in general, so a more specific word is added when the kind matters.

Other meanings

  • cricketnoun
  • mothnoun

Word lists with this word