1.
pest, harmful insect
Insects or other organisms that damage crops, gardens, or stored products, or that spread disease.
害虫駆除の業者を呼ぶ。
To call a pest control company.
農作物を害虫から守る。
To protect crops from pests.
害虫が大量発生した。
There was a major pest outbreak.
COMPOSITION: 害 (harm, damage) + 虫 (insect). Literally "harmful insect."
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 害虫駆除 (pest extermination)
- 害虫対策 (pest control measures)
- 害虫が発生する (pests appear/emerge)
- 害虫被害 (pest damage)
- 農業害虫 (agricultural pests)
COMMON PESTS IN JAPAN:
- アブラムシ (aphid)
- 毛虫 (caterpillar)
- ウンカ (planthopper - rice pest)
- ゴキブリ (cockroach - household pest)
- シロアリ (termite)
CONTRAST:
- 害虫: pest, harmful insect
- 益虫: beneficial insect (e.g., ladybugs, bees)
RELATED TERMS:
- 殺虫剤 (insecticide)
- 農薬 (pesticide, agricultural chemicals)
- 防虫 (insect repellent/prevention)
Related Words
Antonym:
益虫 (beneficial insect)