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March 24, 2026
蛆qū(qu1)
The character 蛆 (qū) refers to a maggot, which is the larval stage of certain flies. It is often associated with decay and is commonly used in contexts related to food spoilage or decomposition, highlighting its negative connotations in both literal and metaphorical senses.
Strokes11Radical虫Frequency#15356DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the presence of maggots can signify poor hygiene or the need for cleanliness, reflecting the importance placed on food safety and health in daily life.
Memory Tip
Imagine a squirming maggot (蛆) crawling out from under a rotten piece of fruit. The character 蛆 consists of the radical 虫, which means 'insect,' combined with the sound component 'qū.' Visualizing this helps connect the character to its meaning.
Meanings of 蛆
qū(qu1)
1maggot
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 蛆
蛆Simplified
11Strokes
虫Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 蛆
Podcast: 蛆
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AI Study Notes for 蛆
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a squirming maggot (蛆) crawling out from under a rotten piece of fruit. The character 蛆 consists of the radical 虫, which means 'insect,' combined with the sound component 'qū.' Visualizing this helps connect the character to its meaning.
Usage Notes
Be cautious when using 蛆 in conversation, as it can evoke unpleasant imagery. It is generally used in informal contexts, particularly when discussing food hygiene or decay. Avoid confusing it with other characters that have similar sounds but different meanings.
HSK Study Tips
While 蛆 is not included in the HSK levels, understanding this word can enrich vocabulary related to nature and the environment. Students at higher levels should focus on context usage and related terms like 虫 (insect) and 腐烂 (decay).
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the presence of maggots can signify poor hygiene or the need for cleanliness, reflecting the importance placed on food safety and health in daily life.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 蛆 with other insect-related characters like 虫 (insect) or 蚊 (mosquito). Remember that 蛆 specifically refers to maggots, which are associated with decay, while the others have different meanings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 蛆
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Cultural Notes for 蛆
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, the presence of maggots can signify poor hygiene or the need for cleanliness, reflecting the importance placed on food safety and health in daily life.
Word Family of 蛆
Words Containing This Character2
蛆qūmaggot
蛆虫maggot蛆蟲
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 蛆 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蛆
It is pronounced as 'qū' with a first tone.
It's more commonly used in everyday conversation, especially when discussing unpleasant topics like decay.
There are no widely recognized idioms that use 蛆, but it may appear in descriptions of unsanitary conditions.
