1.
ant
A small social insect that lives in organized colonies. Known for their industriousness and teamwork.
蟻が砂糖に群がっている。
Ants are swarming around the sugar.
群がる = to swarm, to gather
蟻は自分の体重の何倍もの重さを運べる。
Ants can carry many times their own body weight.
蟻の行列が地面に長く続いていた。
A long line of ants stretched across the ground.
台所に蟻が入ってきたので、巣を探して退治した。
Ants got into the kitchen, so I found their nest and exterminated them.
蟻は小さい体なのに、仲間と協力して大きな食べ物を巣まで運んでいく。
Despite their small bodies, ants work together with their companions to carry large food back to the nest.
蟻 refers to ants in general.
Common expressions:
- 蟻の行列 (a line of ants)
- 蟻の巣 (ant nest, anthill)
- 蟻地獄 (antlion pit; also used figuratively for inescapable situations)
- 働き蟻 (worker ant; also used for hard-working people)
Counter: 匹
Related proverb:
蟻の一穴 - "one ant's hole" - meaning a small problem can lead to big disaster, similar to "a small leak will sink a great ship."