Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
蛲 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
náoparasitic worm; human pinwormn, 12 strokes, radical 虫, Very Hard
náohuman pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis)unknown, 12 strokes, radical 虫, Very Hard
náo(nao2) T2
  1. 1parasitic worm; human pinworm
  2. 2human pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
(蟯)náo(nao2)

The character 蛲 (náo) refers specifically to a type of parasitic worm known as the human pinworm, which is commonly found in the intestines. These worms are particularly prevalent among children and can cause itching around the anus, leading to discomfort and sleep disturbances. This term is primarily used in medical contexts when discussing parasitic infections or treatments.

Strokes12RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, discussions about health and hygiene, particularly regarding parasites, are important, especially in relation to children's health. This reflects a broader emphasis on cleanliness and preventive care in Chinese society.

Memory Tip

Imagine a tiny worm (the character 蛲 looks a bit like a worm) that is causing a 'nasty' situation, making kids feel uncomfortable. The 'náo' sounds like 'naughty,' which you can associate with a mischievous worm causing trouble in the intestines.

Meanings of 蛲

náo(nao2)
1parasitic worm; human pinworm
2human pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 蛲

Simplified
Traditional
12Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 蛲

JasonAmy

Podcast:

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 蛲

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a tiny worm (the character 蛲 looks a bit like a worm) that is causing a 'nasty' situation, making kids feel uncomfortable. The 'náo' sounds like 'naughty,' which you can associate with a mischievous worm causing trouble in the intestines.

Usage Notes

This term is mostly used in medical discussions, so be aware of the context when using it. Common mistakes include confusing 蛲 with similar-sounding words or characters that refer to other types of worms or parasites. Be cautious with pronunciation, especially with the third tone.

HSK Study Tips

Since 蛲 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, learners should focus on understanding its medical context and related terms in healthcare. Familiarity with other characters related to health and biology can enhance understanding.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, discussions about health and hygiene, particularly regarding parasites, are important, especially in relation to children's health. This reflects a broader emphasis on cleanliness and preventive care in Chinese society.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 蛲 with 蛔 (huǐ), which means roundworm. It is important to remember that 蛲 specifically refers to pinworms and to use it in appropriate medical contexts.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 蛲

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 蛲

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

worm

Semantic (meaning)
+
Phonetic (sound)
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 蛲?

Decomposition of 蛲

IDS Structure⿰虫尧
Full Character
=
chong2
left
Yao2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 蛲?

Write 蛲

Practice writing stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Cultural Notes for 蛲

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, discussions about health and hygiene, particularly regarding parasites, are important, especially in relation to children's health. This reflects a broader emphasis on cleanliness and preventive care in Chinese society.

Word Family of 蛲

Words Containing This Character3
蛲虫parasitic worm蟯蟲
náoparasitic worm
蛲虫病enterobiasis蟯蟲病
Exercise 1 of 3

Compound Meaning

What does 蛲虫 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 蛲

蛲 specifically refers to the human pinworm, whereas other terms are used for different types of parasites, such as 蛔虫 (huǐchóng) for roundworms.