虫 – Meaning, Reading & Usage

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What does 虫 mean in Japanese?

虫 means “insect” in Japanese. You will often see it in practical words such as 虫 (insect; bug), 昆虫 (insect), and 虫歯 (cavity; bad tooth).

For learners, the key is to study 虫 through real vocabulary. The examples below show how the kanji works in words, sentences, and related kanji.

Reading

On’yomi: チュウ (chuu)

Kun’yomi: むし (mushi)

Basic Information

Kanji 虫
Meaning insect, bug, worm
Stroke Count 6
JLPT Level N5

How to Understand This Kanji

虫 is not limited to one English translation. In 虫 (むし), it means insect; bug; in 昆虫 (こんちゅう), it points to insect; and in 虫歯 (むしば), it is used for cavity; bad tooth. Reading these compounds side by side helps you understand the range of the kanji.

Common Words

  • 虫（むし / mushi） — insect; bug
  • 昆虫（こんちゅう / konchū） — insect
  • 虫歯（むしば / mushiba） — cavity; bad tooth
  • 泣き虫（なきむし / nakimushi） — crybaby
  • 虫眼鏡（むしめがね / mushimegane） — magnifying glass
  • 害虫（がいちゅう / gaichū） — harmful insect

Example Sentences

  • 小さな虫が窓にいます。

    ちいさなむしがまどにいます。 / Chiisana mushi ga mado ni imasu.

    There is a small insect on the window.

  • 昆虫が好きな子どもです。

    こんちゅうがすきなこどもです。 / Konchū ga suki na kodomo desu.

    The child likes insects.

  • 虫歯で歯医者へ行きました。

    むしばではいしゃへいきました。 / Mushiba de haisha e ikimashita.

    I went to the dentist because of a cavity.

Related Kanji

  • 耳

    — 虫 and 耳 are both simple body/nature kanji with distinct shapes.

  • 田

    — 田 and 虫 are useful for reading rural/nature vocabulary.

  • 生

    — 虫 is often discussed as a living thing, close to 生 vocabulary.

When Learners Usually See This Kanji

Start with 虫 (むし / mushi) because it keeps the core meaning of 虫 clear. Then add 昆虫 and 虫歯 to see how the reading and meaning shift in real vocabulary. Do not memorize 虫 as a single English word; connect it to actual words and example sentences.

Summary

虫 means “insect” and appears in useful Japanese words such as 虫, 昆虫, and 虫歯.