雀蜂
suzumebachi[sɨzɨme̞ba̠t͡ɕi]
The Japanese word for "wasp" is 雀蜂 (suzumebachi). Wiktionary also lists 蜂 (hachi).
Meaning: insect (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 雀蜂 | suzumebachi | [sɨzɨme̞ba̠t͡ɕi] (narrow) |
| 蜂 | hachi | [ha̠t͡ɕi] (narrow) |
雀蜂 is used specifically to name the wasp. You may also encounter the broader term 蜂.
Which one should you use?
雀蜂 specifically refers to a wasp, whereas the shorter form 蜂 is a general term that can refer to bees, wasps or hornets.
How do you pronounce it?
suzumebachi
Did you know?
- The word 雀蜂 literally translates to 'sparrow bee' because the insects' size and aggressive nature were compared to small birds.
- There is a specific Japanese word 蜂の巣にする which literally means 'to turn into a beehive' but is used as slang for riddling something with bullets.
- Japanese culture has a specific term 蜂の子 for wasp larvae, which are considered a traditional delicacy in some mountainous regions.
Examples in context
- 公園の中に蜂がいます。There is a wasp in the park.
- あの雀蜂は大きいです。Ano suzumebachi wa ookii desu.That wasp is big.
- 雀蜂に刺されないように注意してください。Suzumebachi ni sasarenai you ni chuui shite kudasai.Please be careful not to be stung by a wasp.
- 庭に雀蜂がいました。Niwa ni suzumebachi ga imashita.There was a wasp in the garden.
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are walking in a park.
- 健太 Kenta結衣、見て！雀蜂が飛んでいるよ。Yui, mite! Suzumehachi ga tonde iru yo.Yui, look! A wasp is flying.
- 結衣 Yuiえっ、どこ？危ないから離れよう。E, doko? Abunai kara hanareyou.What, where? Let's move away because it's dangerous.
- 健太 Kentaあそこに大きな雀蜂がいるね。Asoko ni ookina suzumehachi ga iru ne.There is a big wasp over there.
- 結衣 Yui本当に。早くここから行こう。Hontou ni. Hayaku koko kara ikou.Really. Let's get out of here quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wasp” translations and entries 雀蜂, 蜂, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
