Meanings of 虫
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 虫
Podcast: 虫
Podcast: 虫
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 虫
虫 (chóng) vs 蟲 (chóng) — use 虫 for general insects and lower life forms, while 蟲 is often used in specific contexts or traditional terms.
Imagine a 'charming' little worm (虫) wriggling in the dirt. The character's squiggly form resembles a worm or insect, and the pronunciation 'chóng' sounds like 'charm'—a contrast to the undesirable traits it can describe.
Be cautious using 虫 in a derogatory context, as it can come off as offensive in certain situations. It commonly collocates with words like '虫子' (insects) and '害虫' (pests). Remember to use the correct tone, as mispronouncing it could lead to confusion with other characters.
While 虫 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it connects to HSK vocabulary related to animals and nature. Students should focus on its usage in compound words, such as '虫子' and '虫害,' to enhance vocabulary related to the environment.
In Chinese culture, insects are sometimes associated with traditional medicine and cuisine, reflecting a unique perspective on lower life forms that differs from Western views. For example, some regions consider certain insects a delicacy.
Learners often confuse 虫 with other similar characters due to its pronunciation. For example, saying 'zhǒng' instead of 'chóng' is incorrect. Additionally, some may use it too casually when referring to people, which can be offensive.
Pronunciation of 虫
Drill the tone of 虫 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 虫
Pictograph of a worm.
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 虫?
Decomposition of 虫
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 虫?
Write 虫
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 虫 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 虫
虫 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
我继续研究飞蛾，并将研究范围扩展到其他昆____。
I continued studying moths, and branched out to other insects.
Example Sentences for 虫 (10)
Cultural Notes for 虫
In Chinese culture, insects are sometimes associated with traditional medicine and cuisine, reflecting a unique perspective on lower life forms that differs from Western views. For example, some regions consider certain insects a delicacy.
Word Family of 虫
Compound Meaning
What does 蛋 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 虫
Common phrases that include 虫 (chóng) are '虫子' (chóngzi), which means 'bug' or 'insect', and '虫害' (chónghài), meaning 'pest damage'. These phrases are frequently used in discussions about gardening, pest control, and biology.