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March 24, 2026
蛾é(e2)
The character 蛾 (é) refers specifically to a moth, a type of insect known for its nocturnal habits and often attracted to light. In Chinese, this term is commonly used in discussions about nature, ecology, and even in poetic contexts, as moths can symbolize attraction or desire. The character is distinct from its close relative, the butterfly, which is often seen as more beautiful and positive.
Strokes13Radical虫Frequency#36811DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, moths are often associated with themes of attraction and desire, as they are drawn to light. This is reflected in poetry and literature, where moths can symbolize unrequited love or the allure of something dangerous.
Memory Tip
Imagine a moth fluttering around a bright light at night. The character 蛾 looks like a moth with its wings spread out. The '虫' radical represents insects, while the '我' component sounds like 'wǒ,' meaning 'I' in Mandarin, suggesting a moth's personal journey towards the light.
Meanings of 蛾
é(e2)
1moth
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 蛾
蛾Simplified
13Strokes
虫Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 蛾
Podcast: 蛾
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AI Study Notes for 蛾
Quick Contrast
蛾 (moth) vs 蝴蝶 (butterfly) — use 蛾 when referring to the nocturnal insect often associated with light attraction, while 蝴蝶 refers specifically to the daytime, colorful counterpart.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a moth fluttering around a bright light at night. The character 蛾 looks like a moth with its wings spread out. The '虫' radical represents insects, while the '我' component sounds like 'wǒ,' meaning 'I' in Mandarin, suggesting a moth's personal journey towards the light.
Usage Notes
When using 蛾, be mindful of its specific context, as it does not refer to butterflies. Common phrases include '蛾子' (ézi) for 'moth' in a general sense. Avoid confusing it with other similar insect characters, and be careful with the tone; using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
Although 蛾 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, understanding it can enhance your knowledge of related characters in the animal category. Focus on the insect radical '虫' found in many insect-related words to build a vocabulary around nature.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, moths are often associated with themes of attraction and desire, as they are drawn to light. This is reflected in poetry and literature, where moths can symbolize unrequited love or the allure of something dangerous.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 蛾 with 蝴蝶, mistakenly using 蛾 to refer to butterflies. The correct term for butterfly is 蝴蝶 (húdié). Additionally, some might pronounce it incorrectly as 'wǒ' due to its components; remember it is pronounced 'é'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 蛾
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Grammar Patterns of 蛾
蛾 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
我继续研究飞____，并将研究范围扩展到其他昆虫。
I continued studying moths, and branched out to other insects.
Example Sentences for 蛾 (4)
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1
我继续研究飞蛾，并将研究范围扩展到其他昆虫。
wǒ jì xù yán jiū fēi é， ， bìng jiāng yán jiū fàn wéi kuò zhǎn dào qí tā kūn。
I continued studying moths, and branched out to other insects.
2
她看见蛾子的翅膀偶尔会泛光。
tā kàn jiàn é zǐ de chì bǎng ǒu ěr huì fàn guāng。
She saw the occasional glimmer of a moth's wings.
3
我看着飞蛾爬到灯罩外面。
wǒ kàn zháo fēi é pá dào dēng zhào wài miàn。
I watched the moth crawl up the outside of the lampshade.
4
他们在树上撒糖捕蛾.
tā mén zài shù shàng sā táng bǔ é.
They sugared trees to catch moths.
Cultural Notes for 蛾
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, moths are often associated with themes of attraction and desire, as they are drawn to light. This is reflected in poetry and literature, where moths can symbolize unrequited love or the allure of something dangerous.
Word Family of 蛾
Words Containing This Character10
飞蛾moth飛蛾
蛾émoth
蛾子moth
飞蛾扑火fatal attraction飛蛾撲火
蛾眉(fig.) beautiful woman
蚕蛾Chinese silkworm moth (Bombyx mori)蠶蛾
飞蛾投火lit. like a moth flying into the fire (idiom); fig. to choose a path to certain destruction飛蛾投火
灯蛾moth燈蛾
苹果蠹蛾codling moth蘋果蠹蛾
木蠹蛾wood moth
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 飞蛾 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蛾
蛾 refers specifically to moths, which are nocturnal, while 蝴蝶 refers to butterflies that are typically seen during the day.
Yes, 蛾 is used in idiomatic expressions like '蛾扑火', which means to rush towards danger, similar to how a moth is drawn to a flame.
The correct pronunciation is é, with a rising tone, similar to the English word 'uh' but rising at the end.
