蚊子

• Pinyin: wén zi
• Hanzi breakdown: 蚊 = 虫 + 文 (mosquito — insect that makes a buzzing sound/pattern); 子 = pictograph of a small child (diminutive noun suffix)

Meaning

Mosquito. A small flying insect that feeds on blood and is known for its irritating buzz, itchy bite, and ability to transmit diseases.

A major public health concern in southern China, particularly regarding dengue fever (登革热) and other vector-borne diseases. 驱蚊液 (insect repellent), 花露水 (floral water), and 电蚊香 (electric mosquito coil) are common household items. Colloquially used in 蚊子腿上的肉 to describe something negligibly small.

Examples

1. 夏天湖边的蚊子特别多，出门前一定要涂抹防蚊液。 There are especially a lot of mosquitoes by the lake in summer, so be sure to apply mosquito repellent before going out.
2. 一只蚊子在耳边嗡嗡叫了一整夜，害他根本无法入睡。 A mosquito buzzed by his ear all night, and he couldn’t fall asleep at all.
3. 相关部门在积水区域喷洒灭蚊药，以预防登革热病毒的传播。 Authorities sprayed insecticide in areas with standing water to prevent the spread of the dengue virus.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, health, nature

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 气温升高后蚊子大量繁殖，居民应及时清理积水，消除蚊虫孳生地。(As temperatures rise, mosquitoes multiply rapidly — residents should promptly clear standing water to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.)
• 她被蚊子咬了好几个包，又红又痒，赶紧涂了止痒药膏才稍微舒服些。(She was bitten by mosquitoes several times, leaving red and itchy welts; she applied anti-itch cream and felt somewhat better.)

Don't Say

• 这只蚊子是什么昆虫 — 蚊子 already identifies the insect; there is no need to add 昆虫 when asking about it; simply say 这只蚊子是什么品种

Origin & History

蚊 (mosquito — an insect that hums) + 子 (diminutive/noun suffix for small creatures)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal