Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
蠖huò(huo4)
The character 蠖 (huò) refers specifically to an inchworm or looper caterpillar, which is a type of caterpillar that moves in a distinctive looping motion. This term is often used in entomology and may appear in discussions about ecology or gardening where such creatures can affect plant life. The nuance lies in its association with the unique movement of these caterpillars.
Strokes19Radical虫Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, insects like the looper caterpillar may symbolize transformation, as they eventually become butterflies. This ties into broader themes of change and growth in Chinese philosophy and literature.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tiny inchworm, named 'Huo', that does a dramatic loop as it inches along a branch. The character 蠖 has the radical for insect (虫) at the bottom, reminding you of its insect nature, while the top part looks like a wiggly worm moving back and forth.
Meanings of 蠖
huò(huo4)
1inch-worm; looper caterpiller
2looper caterpillar
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 蠖
蠖Simplified
19Strokes
虫Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 蠖
Podcast: 蠖
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 蠖
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tiny inchworm, named 'Huo', that does a dramatic loop as it inches along a branch. The character 蠖 has the radical for insect (虫) at the bottom, reminding you of its insect nature, while the top part looks like a wiggly worm moving back and forth.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 蠖 with other insect-related characters, as it is quite specific to inchworms. This term is not commonly used in everyday conversation but may appear in academic or hobbyist discussions about insects. When using this word, ensure that the context relates to caterpillars or their behaviors.
HSK Study Tips
While 蠖 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, learners at this level should focus on related words in the animal kingdom and their behaviors. Understanding this character can enhance your vocabulary about nature and biology, which may appear in more advanced discussions.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, insects like the looper caterpillar may symbolize transformation, as they eventually become butterflies. This ties into broader themes of change and growth in Chinese philosophy and literature.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 蠖 with other characters for insects, such as 虫 (insect) or 蝴蝶 (butterfly). Remember, 蠖 specifically refers to inchworms, not general insects.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 蠖
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 蠖 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 蠖 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 蠖
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, insects like the looper caterpillar may symbolize transformation, as they eventually become butterflies. This ties into broader themes of change and growth in Chinese philosophy and literature.
Word Family of 蠖
Words Containing This Character2
尺蠖inch worm
蠖huòlooper caterpillar
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 尺蠖 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蠖
It means inchworm or looper caterpillar.
It is pronounced as 'huò'.
No, it is more of a specialized term used in discussions about insects or ecology.
