(ぼうちゅう)

ぼうちゅう
noun
insect repellent, pest prevention
1. insect repellent, pest prevention, mothproofing
Measures taken to prevent or repel insects. Used for products and methods that keep bugs away from clothing, food, or living spaces.
防虫剤(ぼうちゅうざい)をタンスに()れた。
I put mothballs in the wardrobe.
防虫(ぼうちゅう)スプレーを(からだ)()きかけた。
I sprayed insect repellent on my body.
(なつ)防虫(ぼうちゅう)対策(たいさく)をしっかりしないと、(むし)()されてしまう。
If you don't take proper insect prevention measures in summer, you'll get bitten by bugs.

USAGE:
Primarily used as a modifier in compound words. Rarely stands alone — almost always combined with another word.

COMMON COMPOUNDS:

  • 防虫剤(ぼうちゅうざい): insect repellent, mothballs
  • 防虫(ぼうちゅう)スプレー: insect repellent spray
  • 防虫(ぼうちゅう)ネット: insect screen/net
  • 防虫(ぼうちゅう)対策(たいさく): pest prevention measures

WORD FORMATION:
(ぼう) (prevent) + (ちゅう) (insect). Follows the common (ぼう)~ pattern: 防水(ぼうすい) (waterproof), 防音(ぼうおん) (soundproof), 防犯(ぼうはん) (crime prevention).