1.
bee
An insect that makes honey.
2.
wasp
A stinging insect related to bees.
A wasp nest had formed under the eaves, so I had a professional remove it.
A paper wasp came close while I was hiking in the mountains, so I quietly moved away.
蜂 is a general term for bees and wasps.
Types
- 蜜蜂: honeybee
- 雀蜂: hornet (the largest, オオスズメバチ, is the Japanese giant hornet)
- 足長蜂: paper wasp
- 熊蜂: carpenter bee
Common expressions
蜂の巣をつついたよう: like poking a hornet's nest (causing an uproar).
Cultural note
雀蜂 (hornets) can be very dangerous. Their stings can be life-threatening, especially with multiple stings or allergic reactions.
Related Words
Compare:
虻 (horsefly)