虫
mushi[mɯ̟ɕi]
In Japanese, the word for bug is 虫 (mushi).
虫 is a colloquial term used for various arthropods and other similar creeping creatures. This includes not only insects but also other small creatures such as worms or spiders.
Meaning: a colloquial name for various arthropods and other similar creeping creatures (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 虫 is the standard term, the form 虫けら is used as a derogatory or dismissive way to refer to a bug or a lowly creature, often translated as "a lowly bug" or "a worm."
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun 虫 does not change its form to indicate plurality. The context of your sentence will determine if you are referring to one bug or multiple bugs.
How do you pronounce it?
mushi
Did you know?
- The word 虫 can also be used to describe a 'gut feeling' or an instinct, often appearing in expressions related to the stomach or intestines.
- The kanji character for 虫 is a pictograph that originally depicted a snake, which was considered a type of 'creeping thing' in ancient times.
- In some traditional contexts, 虫 refers to internal parasites or 'invisible bugs' thought to cause physical or emotional illness.
Examples in context
- 虫よけスプレーありますか？Do you have any bug spray?This sentence is useful for asking about the availability of bug spray using 虫.Tatoeba #8523142 by small_snow, translation #8523073 by CK
- その虫はまだ生きているんだ。The bug is still alive.This sentence is useful for describing the state of a bug using 虫.Tatoeba #207838 by bunbuku, translation #45094 by CK
- どの虫があなたを傷つけるんですか。Which bug hurt you?This sentence is useful for asking which bug caused harm using 虫.Tatoeba #2177583 by regambit, translation #2176378 by dafp
- 田中さんは虫が苦手です。Mr./Ms. Tanaka is not fond of bugs.
- 日本の森には美しい虫がたくさんいます。There are many beautiful bugs in the forests of Japan.
- 公園で虫さんを見つけたよ！I found a bug in the park!
Example conversation
A boy and a girl are walking in a park.
- 美咲 Misakiあ、あの虫、すごく大きいよ！A, ano mushi, sugoku ookii yo!Oh, that bug is really big!
- 健太 Kenta本当だ。珍しい虫だね。Hontou da. Mezurashii mushi dane.You're right. It's a rare bug.
- 美咲 Misaki触らないほうがいいと思う。Sawaranai hou ga ii to omou.I think we shouldn't touch it.
- 健太 Kentaそうだね、離れよう。Sou dane, hanareyou.True, let's move away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bug” translations and entries 虫, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 虫, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
