Definitions
(noun)
insect; worm; bug
(noun)
small creature; lower form of animal life
Etymology
Pictograph of a snake.
Phonetic:
中
About
The character "虫" originated as a pictographic representation of a snake, and its earliest meaning was specifically that of a serpent or reptile. The traditional form "蟲" structurally triples this single component, creating a compound that denotes a multitude or category of creeping creatures. Over centuries, the semantic range of "虫" broadened from its narrow reptilian reference to become a general term for insects and worms, while "蟲" reinforced this collective sense. In modern usage, both forms primarily convey the concept of insects or small animals, reflecting this shift from a specific to a more generalized meaning.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
草地上有一只虫子。
姐姐非常害怕毛毛虫。
蝴蝶是一种美丽的昆虫。
这种寄生虫危害健康。
夏夜的萤火虫闪闪发光。
被蜱虫叮咬后要及时处理。
血吸虫病是一种寄生虫病。
注意饮食卫生可以预防蛔虫。