虫

• 読み: むし
• ローマ字: mushi
• 漢字の分解: 虫 (mushi) — insect, bug; originally depicted a serpent
• 発音: /mɯ.ɕi/

意味

Insect; bug; cricket; moth. A general term for small crawling or flying creatures.

In Japanese, 虫 covers a broader range than the English word insect — it can include spiders, worms, and other small creatures. Common compounds include 虫歯 (cavity — literally worm tooth) and 虫除け (insect repellent). Also used figuratively in 虫がいい (being selfish/presumptuous).

例文

1. 夏になると虫がたくさん出てきます。
2. 子供のころ、虫を捕まえるのが好きでした。
3. 虫に刺されて腕がかゆいです。

使い方ガイド

場面: nature, daily life, summer

トーン: neutral

起源と歴史

The original kanji depicted a snake or serpent. Over time, the meaning shifted to refer to smaller creatures like insects and bugs, while snake acquired its own word.

文化的背景

時代: Ancient

世代: All ages

社会的背景: Universal