Translation guide
The protective casing spun by insect larvae, especially silkworms and butterflies. In Japanese, the most common word is 繭 (まゆ), but there are also specific terms for silkworm cocoons and chrysalises.
The silky case spun by moth caterpillars or other insect larvae for pupation.
The standard word for 'cocoon' in Japanese. Used for silkworms, butterflies, moths, and other insects.
The silkworms have spun cocoons.
繭から蛾が出てきた。
A moth came out of the cocoon.
Literally 'cocoon ball'. Can refer to a cocoon-shaped dumpling or a traditional New Year decoration made from rice cakes, but also used for actual cocoons in some contexts.
繭玉を飾る。
Decorate with cocoon-shaped rice cakes.
The cocoon of the silkworm, often used in sericulture.
Specifically a silkworm cocoon. More technical than 繭 alone.
蚕繭から生糸を取る。
Raw silk is taken from silkworm cocoons.
In everyday language, 繭 alone is sufficient for silkworm cocoons.
この繭は質が良い。
These cocoons are of good quality.
The hard case of a butterfly pupa, often confused with a cocoon.
Technically a chrysalis or pupa, not a cocoon. A cocoon is the silk covering; the pupa is the insect inside. In casual English, 'cocoon' is sometimes used for the chrysalis, but in Japanese they are distinct.
Do not use 繭 for a butterfly chrysalis. Use 蛹 instead.
蝶の蛹が枝にぶら下がっている。
The butterfly chrysalis is hanging from a branch.
A place or state of being wrapped up or isolated, like in a cocoon.
To seclude oneself, to shut oneself away like in a cocoon. Used metaphorically.
彼は自分の部屋に繭にこもっている。
He is cocooning himself in his room.
To wrap something like a cocoon, to envelop protectively.
毛布が私を繭のように包んだ。
The blanket wrapped me up like a cocoon.
繭 is the silk casing spun by the larva. 蛹 is the pupa itself, the stage between larva and adult. A butterfly forms a chrysalis (蛹) without a silk cocoon. A silkworm spins a cocoon (繭) and becomes a pupa (蛹) inside.