1.
insect repellent; mothball; insecticide
A chemical substance used to repel or kill insects, especially moths that damage clothing and fabrics.
衣替えの前に防虫剤を入れた。
I put in mothballs before the seasonal clothing change.
クローゼットに防虫剤を置いて虫食いを防ぐ。
Place insect repellent in the closet to prevent moth damage.
防虫剤の匂いがする服は風通しのいい場所で干してから着た方がいい。
Clothes that smell like mothballs should be aired out in a well-ventilated spot before wearing.
Composed of 防虫 (insect prevention) + 剤 (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:
- 防虫剤を入れる — put in mothballs/repellent
- 防虫剤の匂い — mothball smell
- 衣類用防虫剤 — clothing moth repellent
- 天然防虫剤 — natural insect repellent
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 殺虫剤 — insecticide; kills insects directly, while 防虫剤 primarily repels or prevents them
- 虫除け — 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 in ball form