(はち)

はち
noun
bee, wasp
1. bee
An insect that makes honey.
(はち)()された
I was stung by a bee.
A honeybee is sitting on a flower.
Bees are flying around among the flowers in the garden.
2. wasp
A stinging insect related to bees.
I found a wasp nest.
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.

(はち) is a general term for bees and wasps.

TYPES OF BEES/WASPS:

  • 蜜蜂(みつばち): honeybee
  • 雀蜂(すずめばち): hornet (Japanese giant hornet)
  • 足長蜂(あしながばち): paper wasp
  • 熊蜂(くまばち): carpenter bee

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • (はち)()される: to be stung by a bee/wasp
  • (はち)(): beehive, wasp nest
  • 蜂蜜(はちみつ): honey
  • 養蜂(ようほう): beekeeping

SAFETY NOTE:
雀蜂(すずめばち) (Asian giant hornets) can be very dangerous. Their stings can be life-threatening, especially with multiple stings or allergic reactions.

IDIOM:
(はち)()をつついたよう: like poking a hornet's nest (causing an uproar).