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 OF BEES/WASPS:
- 蜜蜂: honeybee
- 雀蜂: hornet (Japanese giant hornet)
- 足長蜂: paper wasp
- 熊蜂: carpenter bee
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 蜂に刺される: to be stung by a bee/wasp
- 蜂の巣: beehive, wasp nest
- 蜂蜜: honey
- 養蜂: beekeeping
SAFETY NOTE:
雀蜂 (Asian giant hornets) can be very dangerous. Their stings can be life-threatening, especially with multiple stings or allergic reactions.
IDIOM:
蜂の巣をつついたよう: like poking a hornet's nest (causing an uproar).