てんとう虫
tentōmushi
The Japanese word for ladybug is てんとう虫 (tentōmushi).
てんとう虫 refers to a ladybug, which is a small beetle characterized by its colorful, spotted wing covers.
What does it mean word for word?
The second part of the word, 虫 (mushi), means insect or bug.
How do you pronounce it?
tentōmushi
Did you know?
- The character 天 (ten) in the name is the same one used in the word for 'angel' (tenshi), adding to the insect's divine connotation.
- In Japanese folk belief, a てんとう虫 landing on your hand is often interpreted as a sign that you will receive good news or a visitor soon.
- The word uses the kanji 天 (ten), meaning 'heaven', suggesting the insect is a messenger from the sky.
Examples in context
- てんとうむしは美しい昆虫です。Ladybugs are beautiful insects.
- てんとう虫が、葉っぱの上にいます。Tentomushi ga, happa no ue ni imasu.There is a ladybug on the leaf.
- あのてんとう虫は、赤くてかわいいですね。Ano tentomushi wa, akakute kawaii desu ne.That ladybug is red and cute, isn't it?
- てんとう虫が、空を飛んでいきました。Tentomushi ga, sora o tonde ikimashita.A ladybug flew away into the sky.
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are walking in a park.
- 美咲 Misaki見て、健太くん！てんとう虫がいるよ。Mite, Kenta-kun! Tentōmushi ga iru yo.Look, Kenta! There's a ladybug.
- 健太 Kenta本当だ。どこにいるの？Hontō da. Doko ni iru no?You're right. Where is it?
- 美咲 Misakiこの葉っぱの上にいるよ。Kono happa no ue ni iru yo.It's on this leaf.
- 健太 Kenta小さいね。とてもかわいい。Chiisai ne. Totemo kawaii.It's small. Very cute.
