防虫剤(ぼうちゅうざい)

ぼうちゅうざい
noun
insect repellent; mothball
daily-life
1. insect repellent; mothball
A chemical substance used to repel or kill insects, especially moths that damage clothing and fabrics.
衣替(ころもが)えの前(まえ)に防虫剤(ぼうちゅうざい)を入(い)れた。
I put in mothballs before the seasonal clothing change.
クローゼットに防虫剤(ぼうちゅうざい)を置(お)いて虫食(むしく)いを防(ふせ)ぐ。
Place insect repellent in the closet to prevent moth damage.
防虫剤(ぼうちゅうざい)の匂(にお)いがする服(ふく)は風通(かぜとお)しのいい場所(ばしょ)で干(ほ)してから着(き)た方(ほう)がいい。
Clothes that smell like mothballs should be aired out in a well-ventilated spot before wearing.

Composed of 防虫(ぼうちゅう) (insect prevention) + 剤(ざい) (agent, chemical). In everyday life, this most commonly refers to moth-repelling products placed in closets, drawers, and clothing storage. Available in various forms including hanging strips, sachets, and the traditional naphthalene balls.

Common collocations

  • 防虫剤(ぼうちゅうざい)を入(い)れる — put in mothballs/repellent
  • 防虫剤(ぼうちゅうざい)の匂(にお)い — mothball smell
  • 衣類用(いるいよう)防虫剤(ぼうちゅうざい) — clothing moth repellent
  • 天然(てんねん)防虫剤(ぼうちゅうざい) — natural insect repellent

Similar words

  • 殺虫剤(さっちゅうざい) — insecticide; kills insects directly, while 防虫剤(ぼうちゅうざい) primarily repels or prevents them
  • 虫除(むしよ)け — insect repellent (for personal use); typically refers to sprays or lotions applied to skin to prevent mosquito bites
  • ナフタリン — naphthalene; a specific type of 防虫剤(ぼうちゅうざい) in ball form

Related Words

Related: 殺虫剤(さっちゅうざい) (insecticide (kills rather than repels))
Compare: 虫除(むしよ)け (insect repellent)
general
Added 2026.4.18 22:16 · Revised 2026.9.14 2:03
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