1.
fly, housefly
A common flying insect with two wings, often found around food and waste.
蠅がうるさい。
The flies are annoying.
蠅を追い払う。
Shoo away the flies.
蠅も殺さぬ顔をしている。
He has a face like he wouldn't hurt a fly. (Looks innocent)
Common expression for someone who looks harmless
夏になると台所に蠅が集まってくるので困る。
In summer, flies gather in the kitchen and it's a nuisance.
窓を開けたら蠅が何匹も入ってきたので、蠅叩きで退治した。
When I opened the window, several flies came in, so I got rid of them with a fly swatter.
Also written as ハエ. Common species:
- イエバエ (housefly)
- キンバエ (blowfly)
- ショウジョウバエ (fruit fly)
Expressions:
- 蠅も殺さぬ (wouldn't hurt a fly - looks innocent)
- 蠅叩き (fly swatter)
- 蠅取り紙 (fly paper)
Associated with:
- Unsanitary conditions
- Summer nuisance
- Quick, erratic movement
Related vocabulary:
- ブンブン (buzzing sound)
- 虫除け (insect repellent)
- 殺虫剤 (insecticide)
- 蠅叩き (fly swatter)
The kanji 蠅 is complex; ハエ (katakana) is often used instead.
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