蛇

• Reading: へび
• Romaji: hebi
• Kanji breakdown: 蛇 (hebi/ja) — snake; composed of 虫 (creature radical) + 它 (snake form)
• Pronunciation: /he.bi/

Meaning

Snake. A legless reptile with a long, slender body.

Has multiple readings: へび (native Japanese) and じゃ (Sino-Japanese, used in compounds like 大蛇/おろち — great serpent). Snakes hold symbolic significance in Japanese culture — associated with water deities and prosperity. White snakes (白蛇) are considered especially auspicious.

Examples

1. 山道で蛇を見たので、驚きました。 I saw a snake on the mountain trail and was startled.
2. 蛇は足がないのに速く動けます。 Snakes can move fast even though they have no legs.
3. この動物園では珍しい蛇を見ることができます。 You can see rare snakes at this zoo.

Usage Guide

Context: nature, animals, folklore

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 蛇 combines 虫 (insect/creature radical) with 它 (originally depicting a snake), preserving the ancient character for serpent.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal