Translation guide
The insect that makes honey and can sting. In Japanese, the most common word is 蜂 (はち), which covers bees, wasps, and hornets. To specifically say 'honeybee', use 蜜蜂 (みつばち).
Referring to a bee in general, including wasps and hornets in casual contexts.
The general word for bee, wasp, or hornet. In everyday conversation, this is the most natural word.
庭に蜂がいる。
There's a bee in the garden.
I got stung by a bee.
Referring to the insect that produces honey, often in contexts of beekeeping or nature.
Specifically a honeybee. Use this when you need to distinguish from wasps or hornets.
The honeybees are collecting nectar from the flowers.
When you need to specify a wasp or hornet rather than a bee.
The large, fuzzy bee that buzzes loudly.
Bumblebee. Less common in daily conversation, but used in nature contexts.
A bumblebee is flying.
In Japanese, 蜂 (はち) is a broad term that covers bees, wasps, and hornets. If you need to be specific, use 蜜蜂 (みつばち) for honeybee, 雀蜂 (すずめばち) for hornet, or 足長蜂 (あしながばち) for paper wasp.
Have you ever seen a honeybee hive?
Paper wasps built a nest on the balcony.