About
The character 蠢, whose traditional form is identical to its simplified version, is structurally composed of the component 春 (spring) positioned above a doubled 虫 (insect or worm). This composition provides a clear etymological clue to its original meaning, which was not foolishness but rather a description of the wriggling, bustling activity of insects as they emerged in the springtime. From this literal sense of agitated movement, the meaning expanded metaphorically to describe restless or rash human behavior, implying a lack of calm deliberation. Over centuries, this connotation of thoughtless agitation gradually narrowed and solidified into its primary modern meaning of stupidity or foolishness, capturing the idea of a mind as unsettled and without sensible direction as swarming insects.
Example Sentences Hide
他做了一件蠢事。
这个主意真愚蠢。
别犯蠢了，快点工作。
她认为那个决定很蠢。
愚蠢的行为会导致失败。
他蠢得让人无法理解。
避免蠢错误需要细心。
尽管他蠢，但心地善良。