Quick answer
虫 is the kanji for "Bug". The most common reading is むし (mushi). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
Bug
Also : Insect · Temper
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
6 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 虫 represents 'INSECT'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of insect.
On-reading: ちゅう — remember this sound by associating it with insect. Kun-reading: むし.
Example Sentences
夏になると蚊などの虫が多くなって、対策が必要です。
なつになるとかなどのむしがおおくなって、たいさくがひつようです。
When summer comes, there are more insects like mosquitoes and countermeasures are needed.
虫歯の治療は早めにするほうが、費用も痛みも少なくなります。
むしばのちりょうははやめにするほうが、ひようもいたみもすくなくなります。
The earlier you get cavity treatment, the less cost and pain there will be.
Vocabulary using 虫
Grammar to study at this level
- [Noun] + に伴い～に伴い (ni tomonai) - Along with / In accordance with
- [Noun] + をはじめ～をはじめ (wo hajime) - Starting with / Including
- [Noun] + に応じて～に応じて (ni oujite) - According to / In response to
- [Noun] + から + [Noun] + にかけて～にかけて (ni kakete) - From...to / In the area of
- [Noun] + に限り～に限り (ni kagiri) - Limited to / Only
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
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